Thanks to all of you who made phone calls and wrote letters in support of this legislation!
SUDAN DIVESTMENT LEGISLATION PASSES TEXAS HOUSE
“Stop the Darfur Genocide Act” Garners Unanimous Support
AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 15, 2007) – Senate Bill 247, the “Stop the Darfur Genocide Act”, passed the Texas House of Representatives unanimously today. The bill has already cleared the Texas Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk, pending a procedural vote tomorrow. Governor Perry endorsed the targeted divestment legislation in his inaugural address and State of the State speech.
The bipartisan legislation, led by Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale (R – Tomball) and Senator Rodney Ellis (D – Houston), has over 85 co-authors and enjoys tremendous support from both ends of the political spectrum. Religious conservatives and liberal activists found common ground and formed an alliance to pass the legislation in Texas. The bill is similar to legislation that has already passed in 12 states and is currently pending in 15 others.
SB 247 would require the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS) to engage and possibly divest from certain companies doing business in Sudan who substantially benefit the central government, provide little benefit to Sudan’s citizens, and who have failed to address their role in indirectly facilitating Sudan’s genocide.
With an approximate value of $426 million in targeted fund holdings, the financial impact of the divestment effort on the Sudanese government is substantial. The amount represents about 0.59% of the assets under management by ERS & TRS.
Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale said, “Texans spoke loud and clear today. We don't want our money being used to facilitate genocide. As compassionate human beings, we can no longer turn our back to the slaughter in Darfur.”
Mark Hanis, Executive Director of the Genocide Intervention Network, said, “today’s actions by the Texas House of Representatives, combined with overwhelming bi-partisan support for Senate Bill 247, establish the state of Texas as a leader in the fight against the first genocide of the 21st Century. Texans should be proud to help lead the world in making ‘Never Again’ a reality.”
Showing posts with label Sudan Divestment Task Force. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sudan Divestment Task Force. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Recent Political Developments
Last week, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced bi-partisan legislation with Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to divest the U.S. from companies whose money goes to the Sudanese government.
Cornyn Divestment Press Release
Cornyn's website also added "Darfur" to his list of issues that people can send him messages about. This is great news and evidence that our efforts truly do make a difference. Let's continue to let our legislators know we want action in support of Darfur!
If you are following the Texas Divestment campaign, you probably already know that SB 247 unanimously passed out-of-committee. Gov. Rick Perry has come out in support of this bill. Let's keep the pressure on and make divestment a reality in Texas! See the February 6 post below for links to sample letters and other information about the divestment campaign.
Cornyn Divestment Press Release
Cornyn's website also added "Darfur" to his list of issues that people can send him messages about. This is great news and evidence that our efforts truly do make a difference. Let's continue to let our legislators know we want action in support of Darfur!
If you are following the Texas Divestment campaign, you probably already know that SB 247 unanimously passed out-of-committee. Gov. Rick Perry has come out in support of this bill. Let's keep the pressure on and make divestment a reality in Texas! See the February 6 post below for links to sample letters and other information about the divestment campaign.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Sudan Divestment in Texas
SAIDC has joined a statewide movement to divest Texas from companies that fund the Sudanese government. This movement is led by the Sudan Divestment Task Force, the Genocide Intervention Network, and STAND (Students Taking Action Now in Darfur).
The Texas legislation calls for a "targeted divestment" model which focuses only on companies that provide revenue to the Government of Sudan and do not substantially benefit the Sudanese people.
70-80% of Sudan's revenues from foreign investment go to its military--by putting economic and political pressure on these companies to pull out of Sudan, we can impact the Sudanese government's ability to fund the genocide.
To date, six states, five cities, and over 30 colleges and universities have approved restrictions on their Sudan-linked investments. Twenty states (including Texas) will consider targeted divestment legislation in 2007.
Both the International Crisis Group and Human Rights Group have recommended economic santions to help resolve the crisis in Darfur.
Help Texas take a stand for Darfur!
The Texas legislation calls for a "targeted divestment" model which focuses only on companies that provide revenue to the Government of Sudan and do not substantially benefit the Sudanese people.
70-80% of Sudan's revenues from foreign investment go to its military--by putting economic and political pressure on these companies to pull out of Sudan, we can impact the Sudanese government's ability to fund the genocide.
To date, six states, five cities, and over 30 colleges and universities have approved restrictions on their Sudan-linked investments. Twenty states (including Texas) will consider targeted divestment legislation in 2007.
Both the International Crisis Group and Human Rights Group have recommended economic santions to help resolve the crisis in Darfur.
Help Texas take a stand for Darfur!
Please write, call, and visit with your state legislators.
Senate Bill: Information and Talking Points
House Bill:Information and Talking Points
Find your Representatives!
Learn More: Texas Divestment Campaign
Learn more: Divestment Movement
Get Involved! Contact SAIDC
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