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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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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 Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Minnesotans Consider Health Reform Plan

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Friday, July 17, 2009   

St. Paul, MN – Momentum has begun to build in Congress on health care reform. Key committees are considering various proposals, and now the House has offered a specific bill, which supporters hope will jump start the initiative. The House bill is drawing support from Minnesota’s labor community.

Eliot Seide, executive director of the 40,000-member Minnesota AFSCME Council 5, calls the bill a giant step toward guaranteeing quality, affordable health care for everyone.

"Health care reform means stability for most Minnesotans. It means stable coverage that can’t be taken sway from you through life’s ups and downs. It’s going to mean stable costs that won’t eat an increasing share of your paycheck. And, it means stable quality so you can get the treatment you need, when you need it, from the doctor you choose."

House supporters say the bill would cover approximately 37 million Americans over the next decade. Critics say the plans will cost too much and could create unfair competition to private insurance companies.

Minnesota state AFL-CIO Chapter President Ray Waldon says the proposed reform plan outlined in the House breaks the stalemate and moves toward a health care system that works for working people. It would be a great benefit to all working families and all Americans, he adds.

"They can go out and take care of their families, work at their jobs, and not have to worry about a catastrophe for not having health insurance."

Supporters say the cost of the legislation will be a trillion dollars, over ten years, half paid for by an income surtax on the highest wage earners, with other sources to be determined.






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