Public pension plan officials in states mandating vaccines for public employees, including California, Minnesota, New York and Oregon, are vowing support for such measures.
Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read, a member of the Oregon Investment Council, which oversees investment of the $85.5 billion Oregon Public Employees Retirement System Fund, Tigard, said that "as public servants, it's our job to protect the public."
Mr. Read's Aug. 10 statement was released the same day Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered executive branch employees, including pension plan investment staff at the state treasury, to be fully vaccinated on or before Oct. 18 or six weeks after a COVID-19 vaccine receives full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, whichever is later.
"Requiring our workforce to be vaccinated protects those we serve from unnecessary exposure and risk," Mr. Read said.
He urged those with questions about the vaccines to talk to their doctor or to a trusted health-care provider.
Officials at the $482.5 billion California Public Employees' Retirement System, Sacramento, and $308.6 billion California State Teachers' Retirement System, West Sacramento, said they are taking steps to comply with the governor's order that all state workers either show proof of full vaccination or be tested at least weekly for COVID-19.
Some city and county employees also are being required to be vaccinated.
During the Aug. 10 meeting of the $23.4 billion Los Angeles City Employees' Retirement System, board member Cynthia M. Ruiz said it is her own opinion and that of the board that if "you haven't been vaccinated for any reason, please get vaccinated" or if not, wear a mask.
"If not for yourself, for others," Ms. Ruiz said.
