Common Cause NY Statement on NYS Pension Fund Agreement on Political Spending Disclosures

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Susan Lerner

Feb 23, 2012

212-691-6421

Common Cause NY Statement on NYS Pension Fund Agreement on Political Spending Disclosures

In response to the news today that the New York State Pension Fund has reached an agreement with three California companies mandating the disclosure of political spending made with corporate funds, Common Cause Executive Director, Susan Lerner, released the following statement:

“Common Cause NY applauds Comptroller DiNapoli’s ongoing efforts to leverage the financial power of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (CRF) to increase transparency in our politics. At 140 billion dollars, the New York State CRF is the third largest in the nation, representing the investment of over one million New Yorkers. Shareholders deserve to know how companies are using their investment, so that they can make informed decisions in the stockmarket and at the ballot box. We commend the Comptroller and encourage other companies to follow suit.”