Oregon higher ed asks for more funding; Precision Castparts to undergo assessment by Oregon Health Authority
OREGON NEWS
— The Higher Education Coordinating Commission unanimously approved more than 40 percent increases to operating support of public universities. Those increases amount to a total $943 million for universities and $795 million for community colleges. The budget was approved, however, without the knowledge that it would be funded by the Legislature. For public universities, the $943 million in funding is far more than the $665 million budget in 2015 — a budget that was lauded with support. Read more from the Oregonian.
— Precision Castparts will now be subject to a public health assessment by the Oregon Health Authority. The assessment is the result of multiple reports of pollution as well as two separate class-action lawsuits filed by neighbors alleging toxic air emissions. The OHA says it will conduct soil and air samples for its evaluation but will not be able to determine if existing health issues are a result of exposure. Read more from the Portland Tribune.
— Rose City Cab and Portland Taxi Cab Co. have signed on to the UberTAXI program. The program allows riders to call a cab — rather than an Uber car — through the Uber app. In Portland, Uber first partnered with Green Cab so the company could offer wheelchair accessible vehicles. The Portland Business Journal has more.
— To maintain current service levels, state economists say the budget needs to grow 15% ($2.7 billion) in the next two years. These figures were released in a draft budget this week. The Statesman Journal reports the bulk of rising costs are in the human services budget.
— Jeld-Wen is exploring its options while its initial public offering moves forward. The Wall Street Journal reports the window-maker is looking at an outright sale as well.
NATIONAL NEWS
— The Drug Enforcement Administration doubled down on its marijuana classification as a Schedule 1 drug. This classification is despite the recent decision to allow more research on the drug. This isn’t good news for marijuana businesses, as the federal classification means banking will still be an issue. The Washington Post has more.
— France has changed its policy to allow for self-driving car testing on its roads. French leaders reportedly view this technology as a solution to safety issues on the road. Read more from Business Insider.
