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) –…

We are now at the mid-point of the 160-day Oregon legislative session. Since convening in January, Oregon’s 2025 Session has been characterized by a historic number of bills, full committee agendas, and budget concerns surrounding whether federal funds will materialize or not. The 2025 Legislature had an abnormally slow start compared to previous years, primarily…

Discussions around decarbonizing the PERS Investment Fund have been gaining momentum for years. One of this session’s key bills – House Bill 2200 – has sparked debate over how to balance the state’s climate goals with the financial responsibility of maximizing returns for retirees. Advocates for the bill, including Oregon Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, argue that…

The Oregon PERS Retiree PAC was proud to support legislative candidates during the primary election on May 21, 2024. We are pleased to report that a majority of the candidates OPRI supported were successful in their primary races. House Representative John Lively – House District 7 (D Primary) Representative Farrah Chaichi – House District 35…

With a heart for service and a passion for learning, Colleen Johnson has dedicated her life to making a difference, both in academia and in her community. Colleen spent much of her childhood in southern California where she was born, though she also spent time in other states across the U.S. She married her husband,…

During the 2024 legislative session, OPRI monitored and advocated for the top legislative priorities for members during the 32-day session. The 2024 Oregon legislature performed almost exactly to script: Heavy bipartisan focus on reforming Measure 110 and increasing housing supply, very few overtly partisan issues, and prolific spending fueled by ever-increasing tax revenues that had…

The 2023 Oregon legislative session proved to be one of the most chaotic and dramatics sessions in recent memory. The full 160-day session began with significant political changes in the Capitol.   For the first time in several years, Democratic dominance in the legislature was tempered slightly as Republicans gained just enough seats in the 2022…

As a voice for member PERS retirees, OPRI continues to be active on the legislative front. Since the 2023 Legislative session began in January, OPRI has been monitoring a number of bills that would impact PERS retiree benefits. There are a number of bills that could have a positive impact on PERS members, including: HB…