Latest news with #SB550
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Common sense': Oregon House considers bill to make wheelchair repairs much easier
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection is taking up a bill aimed at making it easier to fix wheelchairs for those who rely on them. The current system forces people to contact their Assistive Technology Professional, occupational therapist, or physical therapist in order to get permission to fix their chair. 'Completely ghosted us': PNW customers detail financial losses, unfinished jobs tied to local contractor This means that when a wheelchair breaks in Oregon, the user has to go through a lengthy process to get it repaired, and that can leave users stranded or bedridden for weeks at a time. Activists like West Livaudais, the executive director of , say would change that. 'And what this bill would allow us to do is have access to third-party providers that have the parts, have the knowledge and the tools to fix our chairs or we ourselves could do that and not have to wait weeks or months to get simple repairs,' Livaudais said. Oregon man imprisoned for killing goat with 'no remorse' Under SB 550, customers and independent shops would get the same access to repair resources as authorized repair shops. 'It's common sense and it sends the power back to Oregonians who depend on wheelchairs and other mobility devices,' Sen. Janeen Sollman (D-Washington County) said in an earlier statement. 'I don't want anyone waiting weeks or months for equipment to be fixed, or spending way more than necessary on a repair that could be done at home or at a local shop.' The bill was introduced and in February. If it passes the House, it will head the Gov. Tina Kotek's desk. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Arabian Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Florida Legislature Shelves Bitcoin Investment Proposals Amid Mounting Concerns
Florida's legislative session concluded on May 2 without advancing two significant cryptocurrency investment bills, HB 487 and SB 550, effectively halting the state's consideration of allocating public funds into Bitcoin. Both measures were indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from further deliberation, marking a notable pause in Florida's exploration of digital asset integration into state financial strategies. The proposed legislation aimed to authorize the state's Chief Financial Officer to invest up to 10% of select public funds, including the General Revenue Fund and the Florida Retirement System, into Bitcoin and other digital assets. Proponents, such as Senator Joe Gruters and Representative Webster Barnaby, argued that such investments could serve as a hedge against inflation and diversify the state's portfolio. They cited the growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin by firms like BlackRock and Fidelity as indicative of its potential stability and value. However, the bills faced substantial opposition from financial experts and lawmakers concerned about the volatility and regulatory uncertainties surrounding cryptocurrencies. Critics highlighted the risks of exposing public funds to an asset class known for significant price fluctuations and potential security vulnerabilities. They emphasized the responsibility of safeguarding taxpayer money through more traditional and proven investment avenues. The failure of HB 487 and SB 550 reflects a broader hesitancy among U.S. states to embrace cryptocurrency investments for public funds. While some states have explored similar proposals, many have encountered resistance due to the inherent risks and lack of comprehensive regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. Florida's decision underscores the challenges policymakers face in balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility. See also Mastercard Advances Stablecoin Payments with New Global System Arabian Post – Crypto News Network
