Cost Cap on Prescriptions Coming
Tens of thousands of Oregonians are expected to see savings next year when prescription drug costs are capped, according to a new report from A-A-R-P. Starting in 2025, out-of-pocket prescription costs for people in enrolled in the Medicare drug plan will top out at two-thousand dollars. Stacy Larsen with A-A-R-P Oregon says the number of people saving from this new law is expected to increase in coming years.
“Here in Oregon the people who are estimated to benefit from that new out-of-pocket cap every year will rise from an estimated 28,990 in 2025 to more than 37,000 by 2029.”
The out-of-pocket cost cap was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. Next year will be its first year in place. The A-A-R-P report finds more than four million people nationwide are expected to benefit by 2029. They’re expected to save an average of 15-hundred dollars in 2025.
Charter School Contract Signing
This Wednesday will mark a monumental day for suporters of a charter school in Florence. The Whitmore Classical Academy contract was approved last week by the 97j school district board and will move forward with the signing of the contract this Wednesday at 4 pm. the signing will be in the district office on Oak Street. Siuslaw Valley charter School board President Kay King says they are “excited to be able to move forward with this school of choice.” The school is still looking for a headmaster but King says they will be welcoming students in the fall of 2025.
Money for Infrastructure in Schools
Florence and Mapleton students are back in the classroom, but their classrooms might not be as energy efficient or climate resilient as they should be. As the changing climate impacts the state, aging infrastructure in schools is driving up utility costs. Juliette Poff with Energy Trust of Oregon says energy is the second-biggest cost to schools, after teacher salaries. Poff is a former teacher and she says anything that can make the classroom more conducive to learning is a win.
“Things like lighting can look like more focus for students, having energy efficient windows can help with air quality, heating and cooling can help with comfort, and all of these things are impactful to the humans that occupy these spaces.”
Poff notes that schools are often strapped for resources when it comes to upgrading infrastructure. Energy Trust of Oregon offers help on that end with expertise and cash incentives for schools. Over the past two decades, the organization has distributed more than 38 million dollars in incentives for energy efficiency projects like installing new insulation and windows.
Meetings for City Council
The Florence City Council is back to work this evening. They will have a public hearing for an annexation and zone change for approximately 1.49 acres on Highway 101 North in the Urban Growth Boundary. Following the public hearing the council will consider an ordinance to approve the request. The council will also consider the purchase of a turnkey restroom facility for the Rolling Dunes Park a a cost of $200,633. Council will also consider reopening recruitment for the Environmental management Advisory Committee. City Council will meet at 5:30 this evening.