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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Seniors Push for Big Savings: Medicare Bargaining Rights

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Wednesday, April 4, 2007   


Columbus, OH - Organizers of a national campaign today say they have the "prescription" for lower drug costs for Medicare patients. A bill before the U.S. Senate would allow Medicare to bargain with drug companies for better prescription prices, something it's currently barred by law from doing. Bill Sundermeyer with AARP Ohio says the Buckeye State has a lot at stake.

"In Ohio, we have 1.9 million members who are involved in the Medicare program. We believe that people will see the results of negotiations, and they will see lower prices across the country."

Sundermeyer adds that allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies will put it on an equal footing with private health care providers.

"That's not any different than private carriers do with their own private prescription drug programs. And that's all we're asking for is the same kind of thing at the federal level."

Critics believe the plan would cut drug company revenues, leading to cuts in development of new medications. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown plans to vote for the Medicare legislation. Sundermeyer says Senator George Voinovich will get an earful today from Ohio's seniors. A similar bill passed the House earlier this year.


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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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