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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.

SD Advocates: Last Stand For Health Care Reform

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Monday, March 8, 2010   

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Democrats in Congress are expected to force an up-or-down vote on health care reform in the next two weeks. Sam Wilson, associate state director of AARP-South Dakota, says that, with memories in mind of the reform battle from the 1990s, they are concerned it could be "now or never."

"And I think if it is set aside again, there are a lot of people, including AARP, that fear Congress will again be setting aside health care for another decade or two, before we really try again for a comprehensive solution."

Wilson says that despite the mounting and vocal opposition, they do feel there is a growing push to get something passed.

"I think there is some momentum going forward; I think we are cautiously optimistic that there is going to be some agreement reached on some of the proposals where we can have some bipartisan support. The question is whether or not that will actually happen."

Opponents continue to point to what they claim would be a government-run health care system that would control about one-sixth of the American economy.

Wilson however says there are some parts of the proposal that could inspire agreements.

"Certainly, not excluding folks who have pre-existing conditions from obtaining health insurance coverage. You know I think there is some interest in closing the doughnut hole in Medicare Part D, which is one of the priorities we've had."

Congressional leaders have said they want a final vote before the Easter break which begins on March 26th.


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