Inflation continues to drive up the cost of groceries, utilities, healthcare, housing, and other everyday essentials, presenting a growing challenge for many retirees living on fixed incomes. In a recent Facebook poll, we asked members to tell us how concerned they are about the effects of inflation on their retirement income. Of those who responded,…

Two issues that have followed PERS retirees through recent legislative sessions are headed back to the Capitol in 2027: the cost of retiree health insurance and the impact of inflation on retirement benefits. OPRI is preparing to reintroduce legislation addressing both. Raising the RHIA subsidy SB 847-A (2025) would increase the PERS Health Insurance Program’s…

The 2027 Oregon Legislative Session is still months away, but OPRI’s legislative work is already underway. In the months ahead, OPRI will follow the November general election, monitor developments affecting PERS retirees, and prepare legislative concepts for the 2027 session. The goal is to be ready to engage with a new Legislature from the start…

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.…