Economy
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Kaiser Permanente health care workers vote to authorize strike in Northwest
The workers are members of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which represents more than 85,000 healthcare workers in seven states and the District of Columbia.

Oregon’s community colleges generate billions for the economy, report says
Oregon’s 17 community colleges generated more than $9 billion in annual economic impact for the state in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, according to a report released last week by the Oregon Community College Association.

Oregon’s popular EV rebate program is out of money and remains suspended
Lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would have provided an additional $30 million to restart the program.

How Oregon cities are handling budgeting amid rising costs
Eugene and Hillsboro are facing tough financial decisions due to declining revenues and rising costs.

Biden and McCarthy set to meet again Monday for debt ceiling talks
Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters he had a "productive" phone call with Democratic President Joe Biden as he travels back to Washington. Negotiators for the pair will resume talks Sunday evening.
Oregon’s unemployment rate drops in April, but lags behind nation
The Oregon Employment Department said Wednesday that the jobless rate fell to an even 4% last month, down from 4.4% the previous month.
Northwest startups connect over Silicon Valley Bank concerns
The failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has led to ripple effects across the entire financial system. Angela Jackson, co-managing director of Portland Seed Fund, spoke to OPB Weekend Edition host Lillian Karabaic about how the Portland startup community is responding.

High inflation and housing costs force Americans to delay needed health care
Close to 40% of surveyed Americans, a record high, put off medical care last year because of finances. Americans are delaying or skipping doctor's visits, dental and vision care, and medications.

Oregon’s unemployment rate remained flat in January with the largest job gains in health care
Oregon’s unemployment rate remained at 4.8% in January, according to job numbers released Tuesday by the state’s Employment Department. Oregon’s jobless rate hasn't exceeded that since July 2021 when unemployment was at 5.1%.

Two Portland Walmarts to close, eliminating 580 jobs
The global retailer is closing its Delta Park and Southeast 82nd Avenue Locations, according to a public notice.