This week, I signed onto a letter led by my colleague Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski to ask the NYS Comptroller to divest the NYS Retirement Fund from any Russian state–owned companies and assets.

By divesting from Russian state–owned companies and assets, New York would send a clear message to Vladmir Putin and those who enable him that New York stands in firm opposition to the actions that he is taking against Ukraine. Divestment will also build upon the actions taken by the United States government and allies to impose sanctions on the Russian Government.

The Comptroller to his credit has taken steps in the right direction by prohibiting all new investments in Russian companies and asking his office to review the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s (Fund) current investments and assess whether they present financial risks that warrant further restrictions or divestment.

In addition, Governor Kathy Hochul issued an Executive Order last week that will direct state agencies and authorities to immediately divest public funds from Russia.

I strongly believe that the steps articulated in the letter sent by myself and my colleagues are appropriate measures to take in showing our solidarity with Ukraine.