A good (and easy) way to get your message to legislators re: HB 151, thanks to OEA

From Molly Janczyk, June 4, 2007
Subject: Just click or type in address to Oppose HB 151

This provides easy opposition by just clicking the link or typing it in if necessary. You may have to add your own name as this auto reply is in my name and info.

It is also always advisable to write personal letters and or make calls but this is a way to show volume. Thanks, Molly J.
[Note: This site also provides similar opportunities to voice your opinions on other current legislative issues. Please take advantage of them! KBB]

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From: "Ohio Education Association ACES action center" (govtsrv@ohea.org) to Molly Janczyk, June 4, 2007
Subject: Oppose HB 151

Dear Molly Janczyk,

House Bill 151 would require the state retirement systems to divest from certain types of foreign companies that do business in Iran or Sudan. The bill is scheduled for a vote by the Ohio House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 5, 2007. The Ohio Education Association opposes the bill as currently written and is urging members to contact their state representatives today.

You can take action on this alert via the web at: http://ga1.org/campaign/hb151/885s7iwr0tktkek?

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. http://ga1.org/campaign/hb151/forward/885s7iwr0tktkek?

We encourage you to take action by June 5, 2007

Oppose HB 151

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB: If you have access to a web browser, you can take action on this alert by going to the following URL:

http://ga1.org/campaign/hb151/885s7iwr0tktkek?

Your letter will be addressed and sent to: Your Representative (if you live in Ohio)

----THIS LETTER WILL BE SENT IN YOUR NAME----

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I am writing to urge you to oppose HB 151 in its current form. The bill would require the state retirement systems to divest from investments in certain types of foreign companies that do business in Iran or Sudan. I object to legislative mandates that place public policy concerns over the fiduciary duty the retirement systems have to manage money in the best interests of current and future retirees.

Public employees like me rely on the retirement systems to manage our money in order to provide a secure pension and access to post-retirement health care. Investment decisions should be made by the retirement boards and investment experts--not legislators.

Please vote in favor of an amendment to HB 151 that would require the retirement boards to adopt policies on screening companies and making the decision to divest providing there are available alternatives that offer the same quality, return and safety. Such an amendment was unanimously recommended by the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC). This is a sensible and prudent approach to this important issue. Failing the adoption of such an amendment, I urge you to vote no on HB 151.

----END OF LETTER TO BE SENT----

Sincerely, Molly Janczyk