Individual Health Premiums To Increase 8.7%
On average, individual market health insurance rates through Covered California are increasing 8.7% in 2019, the health exchange announced today. Covered California pointed to the elimination of the individual mandate – the penalty for individuals who do not purchase health insurance – as a factor in the increase. The tax reform bill passed late last year eliminates the individual mandate beginning January 2019. “Without the federal decision to eliminate the individual mandate penalty. . . consumers would be seeing a rate change closer to 5%,” according to Covered California. A press release from the California Association of Health Plans indicated that other factors included increased medical expenses, including expenses related to prescription drugs and hospitals.
Boeing Investing In Career Opportunities For 100,000 Employees
In Support Of Presidential Action To Address Workforce Issues
Boeing announced today that it plans to invest in “enhanced career opportunities” for 100,000 of its U.S. employees over the next five years. The company will offer more apprenticeships, internships, continuing education, skills training and on the job training. These opportunities were selected based upon feedback from Boeing employees, according to a company statement. The investment is part of Boeing’s support for President Trump’s Pledge to America’s Workers, an executive order signed today that establishes the President’s National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. The entities will address workforce-related issues, such as “the urgency of the skills crisis and the importance of STEM education,” expanding apprenticeships and more, according to the White House.
Nominations For 2018 Long Beach Hospitality Awards Close July 31
Nominations for the second annual Long Beach Hospitality Alliance Awards are open through the end of July. The awards ceremony honors Long Beach hospitality workers and establishments for a variety of accomplishments, with categories including: outstanding restaurant, outstanding hotel, lifetime achievement, beyond the call of duty, rising star, unsung hero, community spirit, supplier of the year, housekeeping, special event, safety and entrepreneur. The top three nominees for each category will be contacted by August 25. Winners will be announced at an awards dinner and ceremony on September 19 at Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Dr. Click here for more information, including sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets.
Runway Re-designation Completed At Long Beach Airport
Effective today, Long Beach Airport re-designated two of its runways to account for natural shifts in the earth’s magnetic field. Parallel runways 7R-25L and 7L-25R are now 8R-26L and 8L-26R. Runway designations are based on magnetic headings, so, as the earth shifts, designations must be updated to allow aircraft navigational tools to function as accurately as possible during takeoff and landing. The re-designated runways now face 80 degrees on a compass in one direction and 260 degrees in the other, rather than 70 degrees and 250 degrees. “Runway markings are crucial to airport safety,” Airport Director Jess Romo stated. “It takes a tremendous amount of coordination for this undertaking. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved . . . [the] overnight transition ran smoothly.” The project, which includes ongoing improvements to Runway 8R-26L, cost $45,000 and was funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant.
Free Workshop To Provide Home Improvement Advice
The City of Long Beach Office of Sustainability is hosting a free homebuyers’ workshop on July 21, from 9-11 a.m. at Long Beach Energy Resources’ offices, 2400 E. Spring St. Attendees will learn how to save money on utilities and ways to make their homes more comfortable and environmentally sound. Tips will also be given on how to finance home upgrades. For more information, e-mail Sustainability@longbeach.gov or call 562/570-6396. Click here to register.