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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.

Labor Day Protesters Call Out Gov. Rauner

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Monday, September 4, 2017   

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Low-wage workers are walking off the job this Labor Day and calling out Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner for his veto of a $15 an hour minimum wage.

Members of Fight for $15 and the Service Employees International Union are holding rallies Monday in Chicago and other Illinois cities to demand higher pay.

Aiesha Meadows McLaurin, a mother and fast-food worker, is skipping work Monday to protest, even though she says she needs the hours.

McLaurin says she's trying to make a better life for herself and her family and has enrolled in college and joined the Army National Guard, but still can't make ends meet.

"At the end of the day, I'm 25 with my own family,” she relates. “I shouldn't have to depend on the government's assistance. I shouldn't have to depend on other people to take care of me."

In vetoing the wage hike last month, Rauner said the increase was too steep and will likely hurt the very people it seeks to help.

Illinois' minimum wage is currently $8.25 an hour.

The decision has incensed members of the Fight for $15 movement, which have started to share messages on social media labeled #VetoRauner. The governor is up for re-election in 2018.

Another fast-food worker, Robert Page, says the governor's veto impacts 2.3 million people just like him.

"Yes, it's bad,” he stresses. “I can barely afford anything, especially after taxes. So much of my paycheck is gone."

Protests in Illinois are part of a wave of strikes by cooks and cashiers to hit 300 cities across the country.

Also Monday in Chicago, union workers are marching on the American Hospital Association, demanding employees have more union representation.





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