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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Matthew Vahey |
State Rep. Josh Shapiro |
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Shapiro legislation targeting terrorists approved by committee
HARRISBURG, June 29 -- Legislation sponsored by Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, to keep Pennsylvania dollars out of terrorists’ hands is one step closer to becoming law today after being approved unanimously by the House State Government Committee.
Shapiro’s proposal, consisting of three bills with nearly 70 co-sponsors, would prohibit the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, State Employees’ Retirement System and Pennsylvania Office of the Treasurer from investing in companies that do business with nations listed by the U.S. State Department as sponsors of terrorism.
“We must win the war on terror. Unfortunately, we are not using all of the economic tools at our disposal on the state level to support our military and diplomatic efforts,” Shapiro said. “Collectively, these three agencies invest over $111 billion each year. By ensuring that none of this money goes to companies that do business with terrorists, we could have a positive impact on the war on terror.”
Shapiro said his legislation would give teeth to the statement that government is doing all it can to fight the war on terror by targeting and isolating those who encourage terrorism around the world.
“I believe we have a responsibility to use the economic tools we possess at the state level to help win the war on terror,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro’s legislation would allow for investment in companies and organizations that are providing humanitarian aid.
Shapiro is deputy speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and represents the 153rd Legislative District in Montgomery County. For more information about Shapiro, please visit www.pahouse.com/Shapiro.
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