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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.

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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