State Working On Budget
The Oregon legislature is having to consider the possibility of losing funds from the federal government as DOGE continues to look for wasteful spending. There are already concerns that some programs will lose funding and Senator Dick Anderson told Coast Radio News that the unknown is the elephant in the room and the state needs to consider its options
Audio Player“One of the things we’re doing is trying to anticipate how much federal dollars might not come and how are we going to backfill or if we are going to back fill.”
Anderson is on the states Way and Means committee that help establish the states budget. Anderson says about 30 percent of the states budget comes from federal monies he also added that there are concerns over the rising federal deficit and how that is having an affect on Oregonians. Anderson will be a guest on the April edition of Our Town.
No Outages to Report
Central Lincoln PUD reported no outages as a result of last night’s wind and rain event. The storm brought in little as it pertained to rain. Conditions continue to be problematic over the next several days with the National Weather Service predicting high wind gusts and the potential for thunderstorms. Gusts could get up to nearly 50 miles per hour today with rain up to an inch around Florence. The winds will continue overnight into Friday and Friday night. Forecasters say Saturday may show some relief with possible sunshine.
Unemployment Rate Rises Again
Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in February, up from 4.4% in January and 4.1% a year ago—marking the highest rate since August 2021. The U.S. rate was lower at 4.1%. Oregon lost 100 jobs overall in February, with gains in professional services, manufacturing, and government, but losses in construction and education. Over the past year, job growth was led by health care and government, while manufacturing and retail saw declines.
Art Display at Chamber
This is the final weekend to view local artist and City Councilor Jo Beaudreau’s mixed media exhibit Dune at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Gallery. Part of her explORE series, it features scenic views of the Siuslaw Coast. The show runs through March 31, open Monday through Friday from 10 to 4.
Legislature Wants to Include Insurance Companies in Unlawful Trade Practices Act
New legislation would bring the insurance industry under Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Supporters say the change would protect consumers from deceptive practices. Attorney Tyler Staggs represented insurers for nearly 20 years. He says his law firm now advocates for consumers because of the insurance industry’s growing unfairness. He cites cases such as a client left homeless when an insurer denied living expenses after a house fire. In another case, he says, a client was denied a claim after a brain injury from a car accident.
Audio Player“Rather than paying the benefits that the insured paid for, the insurance company lowballs them and delays to see if they can force them to take a settlement. “
Oregon’s insurance industry is the only major industry in the state not subject to the state’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
