SR1003 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1003 LRB103 40787 MST 73647 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois Office of the Treasurer, entrusted with the stewardship of the State's financial resources, holds a position of paramount importance in safeguarding and maximizing the value of investments, which currently stand at roughly $60 billion; and

WHEREAS, The duties of the state treasurer are to protect and bolster the State's investment portfolio, implement savings programs to aid Illinois residents in creating a better future for themselves, and disburse monies at the call of the state comptroller; and

WHEREAS, The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and underlying principles have infiltrated the treasurer's investment decision-making processes; and

WHEREAS, The criteria and principles underlying ESG investing are inherently susceptible to political and partisan influence and agendas; and

WHEREAS, The principles of transparency and accountability serve as cornerstones in ensuring public confidence and trust in governmental institutions, particularly in matters concerning financial management and investment strategies; and

WHEREAS, Recent bipartisan concerns have been raised regarding the motivations behind certain investment decisions made by the Illinois Office of the Treasurer, with allegations suggesting that political considerations may be prioritized over the best interests of the people of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, It is important to hold accountable those who are responsible for managing the State's financial resources, ensuring that investments are made with the sole aim of benefiting the citizens of Illinois and not influenced by partisan agendas; and

WHEREAS, The state treasurer bears the responsibility of assuring economic growth and prosperity within Illinois, and any deviation from this mandate in favor of political expediency is unacceptable and undermines the public trust in the office; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we reaffirm our commitment to oversight and accountability in the management of the State's investments and urge the Illinois Office of the Treasurer to prioritize the well-being and prosperity of all residents above political, partisan, or ESG considerations in all investment decisions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we demand full transparency from the Illinois Office of the Treasurer regarding the rationale behind investment choices to ensure that they are based solely on sound financial principles and the best interests of the people of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we pledge to diligently investigate any instances where investment decisions appear to have been influenced by political motives and to take appropriate action to safeguard the integrity of the State's financial management practices.