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That is exactly our situation. We are postponing significant building and remodeling (or doing the remodeling ourselves) because we can't afford to do otherwise based on the economic downturn.

We won't qualify for the rebate but if we did, it would go specifically to hiring people like you. Assuming you hire only legal workers, this would have a direct, positive impact on the Oregon economy.

posted 5 years, 4 months ago
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I agree as long as the jobs that are created are filled by people here and not to imported H1B's or shipped offshore.

posted 5 years, 4 months ago
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We recently retired so won't qualify for Bush's "rebate" and are cutting way back on our plans because we aren't able to sell two of our houses. Our original plan was to sell these homes and build a new one along with out buildings on our farm.
I think the rebate won't come anywhere near the root cause of our economic problems. It may be a short boost but it won't last.

IMHO, the "uncertainty" and down turn is due, in part, by the too-fast exportation of high-tech and other middle and upper-class wage jobs as well as the importation of foreign workers who perform for less than going wages.
Perhaps for a future program, you would discuss the off-shoring of high-tech jobs and wages.

posted 5 years, 4 months ago
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I'm sorry to hear that funding for this kind of program is a problem. Guess it just isn't enough punitive and punishing for most people's tastes. In my opinion, these are exactly the kind of programs that we need more of as these will help to rehabilitate people who have committed low-level crimes. When given a chance, I'll support this and other, related programs.

posted 5 years, 4 months ago
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I agree with Nickel Arcade. My husband and I recently retired prior to Medicare qualification age and had to find independent insurance. We weren't too worried about the cost but were turned down by ODS and Blue Cross. We don't have any pre-existing conditions other than general stuff like trigger thumb, routine colonscopies, and the beginnings of osteoarthritis in my hands - who doesn't have some wear and tear by middle age. None of our issues caused us to generate large claims to our employer-based policies. Blue Cross was happy to have us enter the risk pool and collect an additional 25% increase in rate. We did finally get insurance through a private company but the rates will increase at 10% per year. I'd much rather send my premiums to a state-run program where I'd be helping out my fellow Oregonians and have the money used more efficiently. Why not a state-run health insurance option for all of us?

posted 5 years, 4 months ago
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