As part of the $4.3 billion transportation package approved by the legislature in October, Oregon’s gas tax will increase from 40 cents to 46 cents per gallon. We want to hear from you – Do you support this increase? Take our quick poll below to share your opinion. OPRI poll
Oregon is currently facing a projected budget deficit of $373 million. With the passage of H.R. 1 – the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – Oregon is expected to see a decline in revenue in 2026, largely due to reduced federal payments for SNAP and Medicaid. Additional costs are also anticipated to meet new requirements for…
The Oregon Investment Council (OIC) has faced recent scrutiny for prioritizing its investment strategy for the Oregon’s Public Employees Retirement System Fund (OPERSF) on private equity. According to an article from the Oregon Journalism Project, OIC’s consultants recommended investing 20% in private equity and 27.5% in public equity in 2024. Instead, 26.5% was invested in…
In the wake of the regular 2025 legislative session ending without passage of a transportation-funding plan, the Oregon Legislature held a special session to address a budget shortfall at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The department had projected a $300 million deficit for the upcoming biennium, prompting warnings of layoffs and service reductions. To…
The 2025 Oregon Legislative Session was both complex and unpredictable, with over 3,400 bills introduced — the most in two decades. Governor Tina Kotek focused on expanding affordable housing, improving mental health and addiction services, and increasing K-12 funding, but the sheer volume of bills slowed early committee work. Budget pressures loomed after the May…
Private equity investments have played a key role in keeping Oregon’s public pensions system in good financial health. But as returns in these investments have slipped in recent years, questions are rising about the long-term stability of this strategy. This article from The Oregonian takes a look at the complicated task of managing the Public…
The Oregon House recently passed House Bill 2081 A, which focuses on evaluating climate-related financial risk in Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund (OPERF). The bill directs the Oregon Investment Council and the State Treasurer to assess the financial risks that climate change – and investments in high-emission companies – may pose to the fund’s performance.…
In recent weeks, PERS has made headlines again after a retiree received a sizable pension benefit. While the idea of “PERS millionaires” certainly grabs attention, these cases have become increasingly rare and will continue to fade due to legislative reforms. Although some retirees do receive substantial benefits, they are exceptions rather than the norm. One…
Senate Bill 847 – This bill makes the first update to the health insurance subsidies provided to PERS retirees since 1988, when the Tier One and Tier Two subsidies were set at a maximum of $60 per month. SB 847 proposes a modest increase in the monthly subsidy to $100 and to include all members…
Discussions on ‘decarbonizing’ the PERS Investment Fund (OPERF) have gained momentum in recent years. This session has produced two bills—House Bill 2200 and Senate Bill 681—sparking debate over the balance between the perceived risk of investments tied to fossil fuels and financial performance. House Bill 2200 – proposed by State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner (D) –…