As predicted, Oregon voters appear to have defeated ballot Measure 45, which would have raised the age to 67 from 65 for normal retirement with full benefits for state employees, except police and fire. The measure would have offered partial benefits, but no medical coverage, for early retirees. The provision also would have prohibited the Oregon Public Employes' Retirement System, Salem, from offering an 8% minimum rate of return on investments in retirement accounts, as it does now, and prevented PERS from providing benefits exceeding 75% of final salary.
Separately, Oregon's Democratic State Treasurer Jim Hill seems to be assured of re-election by a large margin.
Vote totals won't be final until at least Friday.
