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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Statewide Health Care Forums Kick Off Today

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Monday, April 6, 2009   

Des Moines, IA – Congress will soon be debating health care reform. In order to give Iowa's congressional delegation a first-hand account of what the needs are in rural Iowa, the Center for Rural Affairs and several other groups are sponsoring a series of forums beginning today on the issue.

A recent report pointed out the seriousness of the situation: it found that in Iowa in 2007 and 2008, 686,000 people were uninsured at some point.

Steph Larson with the Center says each of Iowa's five congressmen has been invited to attend.

"The reason that we're having one meeting in each congressional district is to give each of the Iowa congressional legislators an opportunity to come to the forum and to hear what people have to say."

She says the current health care system isn't working for rural Iowa, because often farmers and rural small-business owners are forced to purchase coverage in the individual market where they pay more and receive less, if care is available at all.

"Over 80 percent of rural communities are medically underserved, meaning that there aren't enough medical practitioners to meet the demand."

The first health care forum today is in Cedar Falls beginning at 6 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. Larson says each congressman will either attend in person or send a representative.

For more information about the forums, go to www.cfra.org. A copy of the report cited is available at: www.familiesusa.org


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