Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson and State Representative Debby Boone will hold Town Hall Meetings

Senator Betsy Johnson and Representative Debby Boone will speak with constituents in legislative and special session updates:

Sunday, October 13, 2013

10am – 11:30am Tillamook Town Hall

@ Tillamook PUD meeting room

1115 Pacific Avenue

Tillamook, OR  97141

1pm – 2:30pm Seaside Town Hall

@ Seaside Public Library

1131 Broadway Street

Seaside, OR  97138

4:00pm – 5:30pm Banks Town Hall

@ Banks City Hall Council Chambers

13690 NW Main Street

Banks, OR   97106

Power out on the Peninsula

There is a widespread power outage this morning (Thursday, Oct 3) on the Longbeach peninsula.   The pacific county PUD says the outage originated with Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines. No information was available on when power is expected to be restored. 

Washington Healthplanfinder Unveils Consumer Enrollment Website; Launches Enrollment Tour New Online Marketplace Connects Washingtonians with New Health Plans and Financial Help Starting Oct. 1

Washington Healthplanfinder, the new online marketplace that connects Washingtonians to new health insurance plans and financial help, was unveiled on the eve of the health insurance open enrollment period. Beginning Oct. 1, individuals, families and small businesses will be able to find, compare and enroll in the health plan that fits their needs and budget at www.wahealthplanfinder.org. People can also reach the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center by calling toll-free 1-855-WA-FINDER (1-855-923-4633). Assistance is available in up to 175 languages and trained representatives are available weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Most Activities on BLM Oregon & Washington Managed lands to be Suspended due to Federal Government Shutdown

As a result of the Federal government shutdown, essentially all services provided by
the Bureau of Land Management will be suspended, with the exception of law enforcement and
emergency response functions. Approximately 4,000 recreation facilities, including visitor centers,
facilities, campgrounds, boat ramps and other recreation sites will be closed.

The BLM manages 245 million acres – more than any of the nation’s major natural resource agencies.

The BLM will maintain the minimum staffing levels required to ensure continued safe management of the nation’s energy resources,but issuing new oil and gas leases and permits will cease.
Limited work will continue to ensure safe operations of domestic energy supplies, including inspection
and enforcement activities for more than 190 oil and gas leases in Oregon and Washington, covering
over 320,000 acres.

Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson Receives Hatfield Award

The League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) prestigious Mark O. Hatfield Statesmanship Award was presented to Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) during the League’s 88^th Annual Conference, held September 26-28 at the Red Lion on the River. 

Astoria to host Downtown Revitalization Conference Set for October 2-4, 2013

 Oregon Main Street’s Annual Conference showcasing best practices for downtown revitalization will take place October 2-4, 2013 in downtown Astoria.  Astoria, which exemplifies the conference theme, "Cool Cities: Old Buildings. New Attitudes," will showcase its historic buildings, numerous shopping and dining opportunities, and variety of activities to the 200+ conference attendees.

LOCAL AGENTS TO HELP CLATSOP COUNTY RESIDENTS FIND HEALTH INSURANCE

Cover Oregon, the new health insurance marketplace, kicks off in October and Clatsop County citizens will have a local agent to help them navigate the new program.

Cover Oregon is the state’s new online marketplace where Oregonians can shop for health insurance, choose from different health insurance companies  to find plans that will fit their needs and budget, and access savings to help pay for coverage. Open enrollment starts in October, and more Oregonians can now get health insurance even if they already have a health condition.

To help Oregon individuals and families enroll in health insurance through Cover Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority awarded grants to local governments and community organizations. The Clatsop County Public Health Department received a grant and is certified to help county resident enroll in coverage.