The severe downturn in Oregon's economy over the past few years has had significant impacts for the entire state, and our workers' compensation system is no exception.

The current recession has reduced state revenues, and has forced the Legislature to make deep cuts. Coping with these cuts includes closing the Department of Consumer and Business Services and most other state agencies on 10 Fridays that fall throughout the current two-year budget period (see link to the list of closure dates below).

Protect yourself, your family and your co-workers by getting vaccinated and staying informed. The fewer of us who get sick from either seasonal influenza or pandemic H1N1 influenza, the more we can reduce the impact in our schools and workplaces. Visit the state's flu Web site at www.flu.oregon.gov or call the state hotline at 1-800-978-3040.