News Digest:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 11:05 AM PST
OREGON — More than 66,000 names on Oregon Health Plan
reservation list
SALEM (AP) — If you haven’t already gotten into line to reserve a place on the Oregon Health Plan waiting list, there are already more than 66,000 people in front of you.
The Oregon Department of Human Services has openings for just a few thousand new enrollees in the state health insurance plan for people who can’t afford their own coverage.
But after just three weeks, the list already has 66,296 names on it.
IDAHO
Nevada tiger breeder eyes E. Idaho to
relocate business
POCATELLO (AP) — A Nevada man who keeps tigers and other endangered large cats is challenging in court a decision by the Idaho Department of Agriculture that prevents him from moving his operation into the state.
Peter Renzo is a licensed big cats trainer and president of the Siberian’s Are Becoming Rapidly Extinct Foundation, or S.A.B.R.E. Foundation, based in Carson City, Nev., and dedicated to saving endangered big cats. He started the foundation in 2001. He owns five Siberian tigers and a black leopard, and said he expects to have two more white Bengal tigers at the end of this month.
In October, he announced plans to move his nonprofit operation to eastern Idaho, where he said he wants to breed the cats and perform live shows. But the state Department of Agriculture barred the move.
Lawmakers pitch new pay, firing plans; union still opposed
BOISE (AP) — Idaho teachers would get nearly $21 million in merit bonuses under a new plan being pushed by public schools chief Tom Luna. Luna is also backing a new plan meant to speed up dismissing teachers.
The two proposals introduced Tuesday in the Senate Education Committee replace Luna’s Idaho State Teacher Advancement and Recognition System.
It ran into opposition because it made some bonuses contingent upon teachers giving up job security.
Luna says he thinks the new bill is a good compromise.
Idaho Education Association President Sherri Wood says her group is still opposed, in part because bonuses would hinge on Idaho Standards Achievement Test scores.
