TRS / ERS Called to Divest funds from Iran

/http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/press/pressreleases/PressRelease.2007-09-25.2601

Back in Austin, Governor Perry sent a letter on September 25th, to the chairs of both the Employee Retirement System of Texas and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to begin the divestment of ERS and TRS funds with companies that do business with Iran. As Governor Perry stated in his letter, Iran "is an epicenter for terrorist activity, having provided a safe haven, training and equipment to Al Qaeda." With the world's tenth largest economy, Texas has the economic clout to set an example for other states and businesses in similar situations. The Governor has also asked that other large state investment funds begin to divest as well. Unified, we can send a message, loud and clear, that Texas will not do business with those who seek to harm our fellow Americans. Governor Perry intends to ask other Governors to join him in this action.

Speaker Craddick visits Tarrant County Republicans

Locally, Speaker Tom Craddick paid a visit to Tarrant County on Tuesday, September 25th. His message was one of unity within the Republican Party, in order to ensure that we remain the majority party in the House. Republicans have accomplished a lot since winning the majority, including giving more control to local governments, fixing school finance, fighting for traditional family values, and passing stronger child sexual predator laws. How quickly we forget that when Craddick first became Speaker of the House, Texas was facing a ten billion dollar deficit. In 2007, Texas will have a five billion dollar surplus. However, our fight is not over. There are still many areas in Texas that require our attention, and Republicans must unite and support each other through next year so that we may continue to improve this great state.