Representative Matt Wand appointed to key panel

SALEM— The House Co-Speakers have appointed Rep. Matt Wand (R-Troutdale) to the State Debt Policy Advisory Commission (SDPAC), a key panel that tracks Oregon’s financial health and protects Oregon’s credit rating by informing state officials about the amount of debt the state can prudently incur.

“Rep. Matt Wand is an outstanding legislator who is capable of working with Republicans and Democrats on key issues,” said Co-Speaker Bruce Hanna (R-Roseburg). “As a member of this important commission, the entire Oregon House will count on him to work with the State Treasurer and other top officials to help manage our state’s limited debt capacity.”

The SDPAC consists of five members, including a representative from each of the two houses of the Oregon Legislature, a member of the public knowledgeable about public finance, and the State Treasurer, who chairs the Commission.

Rep. Wand, a member of the House Revenue Committee and Joint Committee on Tax Credits, says prudent management of the state’s debt is essential to funding critical infrastructure projects. As an SDPAC member, he will urge the state not to incur excessive debt that takes money away from core services such as education, health care and public safety, but to wisely use public debt as a tool to promote critical projects.

“State debt has increased significantly over the past few years, and the resulting debt payments are taking larger portions of our General Fund,” Rep. Wand said. “State Treasurer Wheeler has done a commendable job during turbulent times, and I look forward to working with him again as we have in the past on local issues in East County. I will urge caution on the issuance of new bonds. I’m pleased to receive this appointment and I look forward to working with the other members to help Oregon meet its obligations and maintain a solid credit rating.”