Moda wins $214 million, travel ban stay is upheld and legislators propose coffee tax.
Moda Health wins $214 million in ACA suit
Moda filed suit with the U.S. Court of Claims against the federal government claiming the government had reneged on its agreement. Under the Affordable Care Act, the government had agreed to finance any loses as a result of health insurance providers signing on to the exchange. Moda won it’s case and $214 million, the Oregonian reports. Other Oregon insurers, including Here in Oregon, Health Republic and Oregon’s Health Co-op, have filed similar suits.
Appeals Court declines to reinstate travel ban
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously against reinstating the immigration ban, OPB reports. The appeal could go to the Supreme Court next, which the President tweeted will occur. Sen. Ron Wyden, who has been outspoken against the ban, responded to the President on Twitter.
You keep losing in court. Your thinly-veiled Muslim ban is illegal and it makes us less safe. https://t.co/egwe74NAqs
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) February 9, 2017
Lawmakers propose a tax on coffee
The bill was introduced yesterday by the House Committee on Revenue, Willamette Week reports. The bill proposes a five cent per pound tax on coffee at the wholesale level. Revenue collected from the tax would be directed into the Alternative Education Sustainability Fund and spent on primary school reading programs and capital construction.
Relocation fee lawsuit moved to federal court
When Portland passed an emergency ordinance requiring landlords to pay a relocation fee if tenants receive a no-cause eviction, two landlords filed suit with the Multnomah County Circuit Court. The suit claimed the policy functions as rent control. Portland moved the lawsuit to federal court yesterday, the Portland Tribune reports. The move occurred because the suit also argues the ordinance interferes with due process under the U.S. Constitution.
Gov. Brown may reverse controversial gillnetting decision
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission extended gillnetting into the summer and fall last month, which angered sports fisherman and caused a regulatory nightmare for Washington Fish and Wildlife officials. The Governor announced yesterday she expects to reverse the decision by April 3, the Portland Tribune reports. Brown sent a letter to the commission yesterday asking its members to comply with the standing agreement with Washington to end gillnetting in the Columbia River.
OLCC issues warning to cannabis businesses
Businesses aren’t inputting data into the Cannabis Tracking System, the Bend Bulletin reports. The OLCC issued a notice to businesses warning shops to do better or operating licenses could be revoked. About 20% of the 900 licensed businesses are not keeping current records in the seed-to-sale tracking system.
Former Jive CEO buys Monsoon Inc
Dave Hersh has acquired the e-commerce software maker, the Portland Business Journal reports. Hersh still resides in the Bay Area, however, after he followed Jive to California. Hersh says he will commute to Portland from his Bay Area-home.
OB Original Blog: Legislative Update
As the second week of the legislative session wraps up, we checked in with Rep. Alissa Keny-Guyer (D-Portland) and Sen. Brian Boquist (R-Dallas).
