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| | Will Oregonians Have Universal Healthcare Anytime Soon? | The ongoing midterm elections have reignited debates about universal healthcare across the country. Calls for Medicare for All are going nowhere at the federal level, but Democratic states are eyeing opportunities to expand healthcare access, with some considering state-led universal health plans — with no premiums, deductibles, or copayments — from birth to death. Right now, Oregon is the furthest along in developing a statewide plan, with a goal of universal coverage by 2032. [KFF Health News via Oregonian] | - Oregon's proposal: Before the end of this year, the state Legislature is expecting a proposal from a board they convened to hash out the concept — the deadline was initially set for September. They’re looking to cover all healthcare needs — including mental health, vision, and dental — for every Oregon resident. The Legislature could vote on it as early as 2027 or could refer it to a ballot measure for 2028. [Willamette Week / KFF Health News via Oregonian]
- Costs: The board seeks to dramatically decrease patient costs — and for upwards of 31% of residents, coverage would be free. Employer-based insurance would be replaced by new corporate taxes, and costs would also be covered by personal taxes on higher-income Oregonians. Supporters say a statewide plan would also reduce costs for hospitals and health systems spending billions of dollars managing patient billing. Some healthcare leaders say universal coverage will not solve preexisting issues in Oregon hospitals and may introduce more instability. [KFF Health News via Oregonian]
- Governor's race: The governor's race has largely not focused on healthcare as a top issue, although Governor Tina Kotek has distinguished herself from Republican opposition state Sen. Christine Drazan through related campaign ads. Last year, Sen. Drazan voted against a bill to increase funding for Oregon’s Medicaid program. [OPB]
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| | | While recycling your leftover paint is easy with PaintCare, did you know there are steps you can take to reduce paint waste in the first place? Buy the right amount, use up what you have, and when you’re done, recycle the rest at a PaintCare drop-off site near you. | |
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| What Portland's Talking About |
|  | Will the 1-5 South closure end on time? (Rachel Monahan / City Cast Portland) |
| I-5 South Closure Impacts Still Surprisingly Minimal | Today on the City Cast Portland podcast, we're talking about why the Eugene Police Department is charging millions for public records, plus ideas from Europe on how to get more out of our waterfront. We’re also looking at updates on the latest waterfront park currently in the planning stages and checking in on the Rose Quarter I-5 construction. [City Cast Portland 🎧] | | 19 Charges Against Benson High School Student | A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student is facing 19 charges — including multiple felonies — after allegedly releasing toxic chemicals in the school's cafeteria last month. Since the incident, law enforcement officials found social media posts from the student about suicide and seeking violence against other students. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez's office will seek to try the minor as an adult. [Oregonian / OPB] | | Portland's New Hub for Indigenous Storytelling | Late last month, what might be Portland's only Indigenous-owned bookstore opened in Southeast. Sahaptin Stories features books for adults and children written by Indigenous authors from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. Owner Casandra Hanson wants the shop to be a meeting place for Indigenous families to gather and local communities to learn about Indigenous cultures. [OPB] |
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One of the benefits of becoming a City Cast Neighbor is getting to share a local business, person or nonprofit that deserves some shine through our weekly Neighborhood Shoutouts. It’s one of the sweetest, most wholesome parts of being a Neighbor, in my opinion. | | Here's one from Neighbor Nick T.: "Shoutout to Portland’s Tostado Coffee Roasters — bringing Latin American roots, exceptional coffee, and a whole lot of heart to Portland." | | And before we go, I have some new City Cast Neighbors to welcome! Thank you to Cara C.H., Allison S., Alessandra S., Doug M., Aubrey Z., Webly B., and Jennifer P. for investing in this local newsletter. Your support means the world to us. 🫶 |
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