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  Comments (1) Total Wednesday Jun. 19, 2013
 
Seasonal Firefighters Win Federal Health Benefits
White House awards 8,000 temporary firefighters and their families access to health insurance
WASHINGTON — The White House says about 8,000 temporary firefighters and their families will get access to federal health insurance following a petition drive bolstered by this year's historic fire season in the West.

President Barack Obama says the nation has been inspired by the heroism of firefighters battling deadly wildfires this summer. Obama says he has directed his administration to ensure the firefighters "can count on the care and protection they need."

The temporary firefighters weren't covered by federal health insurance because under federal rules, temporary seasonal employees can't buy into federal insurance plans.

Members of a South Dakota-based hotshot crew who fought wildfires this year launched a petition drive seeking the health benefits and gathered more than 125,000 signatures.
 
On 07-17-12, mtsongbird commented....
Well, Hurray!
 
Kellyn Brown
Kellyn Brown58m
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Men's Wearhouse fires the 'I guarantee it' guy http://t.co/CairFuDpeR via @CNNMoney
Dillon Tabish
Dillon Tabish17 Jun
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More tragic news from the roads - Whitefish Woman Killed in Highway 93 Crash http://t.co/Khb4GdBpGi That's 12 deaths last weekend
Molly Priddy
Molly Priddy37m
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Not even the people who tweet for Slate! RT @Slate The biggest trade deal of all time is being negotiated and nobody's paying attention:
Tristan Scott
Tristan Scott14 Jun
@tristanscott
East-Side access t Logan Pass opens Saturday: http://t.co/DjgSHVThdZ
Flathead Beacon
FB Headlines32m
@flatheadbeacon
Local Author Concludes Political Thriller Trilogy http://t.co/73cvFKeJOP