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  Comments (1) Total Wednesday May. 22, 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 Brown11h
@kellynbrown
A market-research company has just published its ranking of the world's "most powerful" brands http://t.co/yEHFLwhFzA http://t.co/eQCUhNr7Cc
Dillon Tabish
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That kid in the Nissan commercial who says he saw mtn goats in Whitefish is either confusing his towns or straight up lying to his buddies
Molly Priddy
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@NPDXReporter I think I'll start strategically calling it "pre-lunch" too, and then "forget" to eat my real lunch later. #dessertforlunch
Myers Reece
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@myersreece
Environmental groups file lawsuit to halt logging project in Northwest Montana. http://t.co/fwwB2gyWND
Flathead Beacon
FB Headlines9h
@flatheadbeacon
Kalispell Expands Public Properties Where Alcohol Can Be Consumed http://t.co/0pj6z2REgE