Bill Passes House and Senate for Patient and Provider Safety
A bill aimed at restricting how federal immigration agents operate inside Oregon hospitals has cleared both the state House and Senate and is now headed to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk. Supporters call it the “Healthcare Without Fear Act.” The measure would require hospitals to designate a staff member to interact with ICE officers and establish clear public and private areas within medical facilities. It would also protect patient immigration information and allow health care workers to share legal resources with patients. Supporters, including members of the Oregon Nurses Association, say the law is needed after reports of federal agents entering clinical areas and interfering with patient care. Republican lawmakers argue the proposal could add pressure to hospitals already dealing with staffing shortages and tight budgets. If signed, the law would create statewide standards for how immigration enforcement interacts with hospitals.
Home and Garden Show
Tomorrow kicks off the 28th annual Florence Home and Garden Show featuring 36 vendors ranging from home furnishings to landscaping, personal care products, construction and home repair. Vendors have consistently touted the show as a huge success for them and it continues to bring in attendees from Florence and around the region. the Home and Garden show begins at noon tomorrow and ends at 6pm and continues again on Saturday from 10 until 6pm. cost is $2 for adults $1 for teens and 12 and under get in free. it is also free from 4-6pm on Saturday.
Candidate Schedules Meet and Greet in Florence
Guest on this week’s Our Town, Monique DeSpain who is running for the 4th congressional seat in Oregon will be having a meet and greet from 6 to 8 pm in Florence at the Ramblin Rose restaurant on Bay Street. DeSpain is the republican challenger for the seat currently held by Val Hoyle. DeSpain is a military veteran who spent her career in the Judge Advocate General’s office. She says she is running on transparency, Public Safety, and improving Oregon’s economy and business culture.
Police Respond to Suspect with Knife
Yesterday around noon time calls came into Coast Radio that there was a large police presence in town involving Oregon State Police, Lane County Sheriffs and the Florence Police department. According to Florence Police Chief John Pitcher they were assisting the Lane County Sheriffs Department with an arrest. FPD officers encountered a suspect with a knife who ran from police. Florence officers chased the suspect and sub dued them with a taser. There was no other information given regarding the incident.
