Benninghoff plans legislation to divest Russian financial assets in Pa

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Center/Mifflin) announced plans for legislation to cede all Russian financial assets to Pa.

Days after the Liquor Control Board pulled the Russian-made vodka from the shelves, Benninghoff wants to continue holding Russia accountable by applying more pressure.

“It is clear that the people of Pennsylvania stand with the people of Ukraine and against this unprovoked Russian aggression,” Benninghoff said. “Over the weekend, the Liquor Control Board removed Russian-made vodka from its shelves, which I commend, and the Capitol was lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. But I think it’s time we started moving beyond symbolism and into real action with what Pennsylvania can do to hold Russia accountable and push to stop this attack on the innocent people of Ukraine as well as the viability of Eastern Europe. said Benninghoff.

The move would extend Law 44 of 2010, which divests the state treasury and pension funds from Iran and Sudan-related investments.

“Commonwealth public funds represent substantial investment power. We have a moral obligation to ensure that our investments in public funds do not inadvertently support those who engage in an unprovoked invasion of their democratically elected neighbors,” Benninghoff said.