Bank Economists See Robust Economy

Consensus among 16 chief economists representing the largest North American banks is that the U.S. economy is “fundamentally strong this year with little down drift in major sectors” and that “tax cuts and regulatory reform will help support continued growth in business investment.” The group, serving as the Economic Advisory Committee of the American Bankers Association, sees “inflation-adjusted GDP growth accelerating to 2.8% this year – the strongest pace since 2005 – up from 2.6% last year.” The group noted that unemployment is at its lowest level in 50 years and expects it to drop further in 2019, forecasting a 3.6% unemployment rate. “Such a low unemployment rate will likely generate more wage pressure, which could help drive inflation beyond the Fed’s expectations,” the group added.

 

Councilmember Pearce Issues Statement Following Failed Recall Effort

Following yesterday’s announcement by the Long Beach City Clerk that the effort to place a measure on the ballot to recall Councilmember Jeannine Pearce failed, the 2nd District representative issued the following statement: “In spite of the noise, I am proud of my office and the work we’ve done. We’ve stayed focused on the needs of the district: neighborhood cleanups, community meetings, our own events, and constituent services. All while accomplishing great things at council and helping the most vulnerable of our constituents.”

 

Long Beach Health Department To Present Health And Housing Resources Fair

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is holding a free health and housing resources fair on June 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at MacArthur Park, 1321 E. Anaheim St. Local government agencies, businesses and organizations will inform on programs and services that promote a safe home environment. Some of the topics addressed will include proper storage of household cleaners, cleaning with natural products and addressing peeling paint. The event will also feature education games, drawings and prizes, as well as healthy snacks.

 

Survey Says: Next California Governor Needs A Plan For Senior Care

Roughly 84% of California voters said the next California governor should have a “vision and long-term master plan to address the state’s increasing need for senior services,” according to a statewide voter survey conducted between June 8-11. The results were released by We Stand With Seniors . . . Will You? – a nonpartisan nonprofit campaign formed by West Health and The SCAN Foundation to educate state policymakers about the needs of seniors in the state. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, the state’s 65-and-older population is projected to grow to 8.6 million by 2030 – a 90% increase. The survey data indicates that 64% of voters think the state is not doing enough for seniors now and 59% think the state is not prepared to address the future needs of seniors.

 

Blood Donors Could Receive Car Repair Coupon Tomorrow

Orozco’s Auto Service is offering $25 coupons for those who donate blood tomorrow at the Blood Donor Center at MemorialCare’s Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach through tomorrow. Donors will have the chance to spin the prize wheel, which includes the coupons that can be used at Orozco locations at 3619 Atlantic Ave. and 3033 Long Beach Blvd. The Blood Donor Center is located at 2865 Atlantic Ave. and is open until 5:30 p.m. today and from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow. To schedule an appointment, call 562/933-0808 or visit memorialcare.org/LBBloodDonation.