News in Numbers
The average rate increase State Farm, California’s largest insurer, is asking the state to approve for policy holders. The insurer says the recent L.A. fires have imperiled its finances, and it wants these rate increases as an “emergency” cash infusion as it attempts to pay out claims.
The number of Oregon state employees who make more money than Gov. Tina Kotek. The governor earns $98,600 a year, which is less than all the governors save those in Maine, Colorado and Arizona. Her relatively modest salary means that one in every five state employees in Oregon make more money than the governor. (The Oregonian)
The amount it would cost annually to clean up the dead zone off the coast of Louisiana. A vast dead zone is caused seasonally by nutrient runoff from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers that cause algae blooms and cut off oxygen. The Environmental Protection Agency has set a goal of reducing runoff by 45 percent, which would cost $7 billion per year, according to a new study. (Louisiana Illuminator)
The projected cost of a new school voucher plan in Tennessee over the next three years. Last week, legislators passed a bill making Tennessee the latest state to offer vouchers to all families, regardless of location or income. Critics said the cost will grow much higher. The bill was a top priority for GOP Gov. Bill Lee.
Approximate number of Christmas toys given out to children by a civic association run by Brian Stack, mayor of Union City, N.J., and a state senator.
The difference between the amount of tax revenue projected by the New York City Council and projections from Mayor Eric Adams. The council has consistently projected revenues that are higher than the mayor’s office. Two leaders on the council, Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan, argued that the city has the money to invest in parks, mental health and other programs. “Now, we just need an administration that is committed to investing in New Yorkers' priorities and fulfilling their pledges to working-class New Yorkers,” they said in a statement.