The Daily Digest: VA wait times, student loans
Welcome to the Daily Digest. Here's what's going on in politics today.
Minnesota:
While a new report on Veterans Affairs health care found that long wait times are typical at many facilities, Minnesota's Veterans Affairs medical centers have shorter wait times than others. (AP via MPR News)
Still, the latest audit revealed that Minneapolis and Rochester wait times deserve more scrutiny. Several members of Minnesota's D.C. delegation, including Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Tim Walz, say the audit is "concerning" and raises "serious issues" about the state's VA hospital.
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A federal judge refused to halt same-sex marriages in Wisconsin. A state ban on same-sex marriage was struck down last week. (AP via MPR News)
The Independence Party of Minnesota has endorsed Paula Overby to run in the 2nd Congressional District. (The Pioneer Press)
Washington:
In an election year when Democrats are trying to position themselves as a party looking out for the middle class, President Barack Obama signed an executive order that will ease student loan payments for about 5 million people. (AP via MPR)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says his chamber will vote on a bill to fix long VA wait times as soon as the legislation is ready. (National Journal)
In Other News...
Can you say "high-tech jobs"? (The Onion)