Barbara Mikulski, D-Maryland, the chief sponsor of the pay equity bill, vowed to return to the bill until it passes.

CNN: Senate Republicans block pay equity bill

Dean also touched on education, drawing gasps from the audience when he asked the legislature to help him craft a school choice bill, citing a "lack of equity" for those who are dissatisfied with their public school.

CNN

Another provision in the bill would change the tax treatment of publicly traded private-equity firms, such as Blackstone and Fortress Investment Group.

ECONOMIST: Private-equity firms battle to keep their tax perks

When the time comes to pay the bill, consider using a home equity loan or line of credit instead of the federally sponsored parent Plus loans.

FORBES: On The Cover/Top Stories

In practice, each of these sub-categories is comprised of specific products (such as private equity funds or intentionally defective trusts) and services (bill paying and close protection personnel, for example) based on the needs of the underlying families.

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So, the tax bill's writers added a provision saying any profit from the sale of a hedge fund, a private-equity firm or other investment partnership would be taxed at the higher rates that apply to ordinary income.

WSJ: Financiers Switch to GOP

The other provision in the bill that absolutely contradicts the notion of consumer protection is that Congress has specifically prevented the SEC from enforcing more disclosures for equity index annuities.

FORBES: Financial Reform Bill Will Shaft Consumers