Portland's "responsible banking" proposal passes

Portland city commissioners on Wednesday voted 5-0 to pass a proposal from MayorSam Adams to overhaul the city’s banking policies in order to bring more local banks and credit unions into the fold.

The proposal, called the Responsible Banking Resolution, calls for depositing $250,000 of the city’s money in each of 10 Oregon banks and credit unions. The money would come from liquidating $2.5 million of the city's roughly $800 million in U.S. Treasuries and other securities.

The proposal also increases transparency and requires that the city rethink its contract for banking services in order to make it easier for local banks to compete for the business.

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HHS grants nearly $72M for home visiting programs

WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded 10 states nearly $72 million in grants to provide early childhood supports and home visits to families who volunteer to receive these services, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Tuesday.

These awards are part of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program created by the Affordable Care Act. The funding will be used by states to expand or establish home visiting program.

“Home visits from an experienced counselor can help provide skills and links to important services and early childhood education,” said Secretary Sebelius, in a written statement.

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