Treasurer Read Issues Statement on Sine Die

SALEM, Ore., July 7 -- Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read issued the following statement upon the close of the 2017 legislative session:

"The Legislature took significant steps forward to improve the daily lives of Oregonians. In the absence of federal leadership on healthcare, our legislative leaders ensured continued coverage for over 200,000 Oregonians. The passage of a bipartisan transportation package means we will make critical long-term investments in moving people and goods throughout Oregon more efficiently and sustainably. And the Legislature passed policies that will improve the lives of Oregon families by better ensuring gender pay equity, by allowing parents to plan their work schedules, by protecting women's reproductive rights, and by providing for public ownership of the Elliott State Forest.

"At the Oregon State Treasury, the Legislature approved our plan to reduce our reliance on Wall Street consulting firms, which will save millions for Oregon's pension system. We also added an Environmental, Social, and Governance investment officer who will push for board and management diversity, and foster better corporate practices. These are wise long-run investments.

"I know there is more work to be done, and I stand ready to assist the Governor and the Legislature as they continue conversations about revenue and budget reforms so we can make needed long term investments in our state."