Month: June 2015

State aims to avoid challenges of upcoming Supreme Court ACA decision

Nicole BaileyLeave a comment

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on an important part of the Affordable Care Act, determining whether individuals who purchased insurance through the federal healthcare exchange may receive the same subsidies as those who went through a state exchange.

Depending on how things go, the court’s ruling could have a significant impact on the ACA. However, Oregon legislators say the state is in a good position, thanks largely to the fact that it addressed the issue when it transferred Cover Oregon (the state’s doomed exchange) to the federal government last year.

Regardless, the pending decision could make obtaining affordable health insurance much more difficult for millions of people throughout the United States.

Oregon Public Broadcasting: “About 7 million people across more than 30 states are eligible for these tax subsidies. If they can no longer get them, many won’t be able to afford insurance anymore. And without them, prices would rise for everyone else.”

Smoking banned in all Portland parks starting July 1

Nicole BaileyLeave a comment

portland smoking banThe city of Portland has expanded its smoking ban to all of its public parks, making the rule consistent across all parks in the city. Previously, smoking was only prohibited in certain parks under the city’s purview. City officials say the move will promote public health and protect parks from certain hazards, including pollution and fire.

A statement from Commissioner Amanda Fritz read in part:

“The intent of the smoke and tobacco-free parks policy is to promote public health and protect Portland’s parks and natural areas, not to criminalize those who smoke or use tobacco,” Fritz said in a statement. “We expect people to comply with the expanded policy because it’s the right thing to do for our parks and for themselves, not solely because they’re faced with major penalties.”

The new measure, which takes effect July 1, would also make the smoking ban a little less stringent, with violators simply asked to leave the park for the rest of the day if caught lighting up.