Tobias Read believes Oregon needs new leadership and a new direction. We can’t afford more of the same in Salem. Tobias knows we face urgent challenges to help our homeless neighbors, reduce gun violence and to keep our schools open so we can reverse the decline in literacy and graduation rates across our state. And he’ll accelerate our investments in clean energy to battle climate change and prevent wildfires.
As the father of two kids in public schools, Tobias will measure our progress by how Oregon’s children are doing: whether it’s having enough to eat, safe streets, the ability to graduate and afford higher education or being able to get a good-paying job. Tobias knows we are only as strong as the next generation.
A New Direction
for Oregon
REDUCING HOMELESSNESS.
We have spent hundreds of millions of dollars and the homelessness crisis has only gotten worse. It’s clear that what we’re doing isn’t working. We need to take immediate and decisive action to help get our neighbors off the streets and into safe, clean shelters and transitional housing. And we must provide those in need with access to mental health and addiction services. Tens of thousands of affordable housing units must be built to help address this crisis, but that will take years. We can’t afford to wait until then--we must act now.
There’s nothing compassionate about letting our neighbors live outside in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. And it’s not fair to our families and small business owners who don’t feel safe using our public spaces or coming to work every day. I will work with mayors across our state who are calling for immediate help in building emergency shelters and cleaning up their communities.
A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR KIDS.
Today, too many kids are going to bed hungry. Too many are dropping out of school. And too many aren’t sure there are any opportunities left for them in the rural communities that raised them. Tobias Read knows we need to make Oregon a place of opportunity for every child.
Tobias has always made investing in our future his priority. While serving in the Oregon House, he helped establish full-day kindergarten for every child because a strong early education opens doors to more opportunities later in life. And as Treasurer, Tobias implemented a college savings program that’s helping thousands of families afford higher education and job training.
As Governor, Tobias will work to make Pre-K available to every Oregon child; create more child care facilities and slots to bring down the cost of childcare for working families; extend the school year so kids have year-round learning and summer enrichment opportunities; expand apprenticeships and vocational training to all who want them; and work to bring down the cost of community college and 4-year degrees. He knows that an educated and skilled workforce is the best way to grow our economy and bring new jobs to Oregon.
CONFRONTING CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROTECTING OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES.
From the worst wildfires in the country, to unprecedented heat waves, to the threat to our water sources, Oregonians have experienced the dramatic impact of climate change firsthand.
As Treasurer, Tobias uses the state’s leverage to help place environmental advocates on the boards of major energy companies and move them away from fossil fuels. And under his leadership, the state has dramatically increased its investment in renewable energy.
As co-chair of the governor’s Wildfire Economic Recovery Council, Tobias helped formulate a plan to protect communities from future wildfires and help affected Oregonians rebuild their homes and businesses. And he has called for more investments to help mitigate the threat of climate change to Oregon communities.
Tobias supports Oregon’s groundbreaking law that would require 100% clean energy by 2040, and would make investing in clean energy sources and green jobs a top priority.
STRENGTHENING OREGON FAMILIES.
Tobias knows we need a comprehensive approach to strengthening Oregon families. As Treasurer, he launched OregonSaves, which has helped more than 100,000 Oregonians without access to retirement plans, save for the future. More than $130 million has been saved by Oregonians in the first couple of years. As Governor, he’ll lead the fight to build thousands of additional affordable housing units; expand access to health care and high-speed Internet; continue to advocate for criminal justice reforms; and direct more resources for treatment and prevention to address the opioid crisis.