Lawmakers propose divesting in Iran, Sudan

January 12, 2008 (SALT LAKE CITY) — Two state lawmakers want the state’s $20 billion retirement fund to divest in firms that do business in Iran and the Sudan because they say it is the ethical thing to do.

Rep. Julie Fisher, R-Fruit Heights, and Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, both are sponsoring bills that could force the Utah Retirement System to take money out of firms if they do business with those two countries.

Fisher says that the state system should not be investing in a country that supports terrorism, especially against American troops in the Middle East.

Litvack says the purpose behind the bill he’s drafting is to put investment pressure on the Sudanese government to stop genocide in Darfur.

(AP)