Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel speaking on the floor of the New York State Assembly about the Iran Divestment Act of 2012, a measure barring companies and individuals who invest in Iran’s energy sector from doing business with New York State.
“On behalf of the 16th Assembly District I wish to thank Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and the members of the New York State Assembly for this important legislation. I live in a community with a large number of Iranian Americans who sought political asylum during the Revolution. I am always reminded of the Iranian government’s intent for harm and terrorism. This measure takes a bold stance and sends a clear message that New York State will not help fund Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and will not tolerate a threatening regime.”
In a display of bipartisan support, the New York State Assembly passed the Iran Divestment Act of 2012 (A.8668a) by an overwhelming majority on Monday. Following the Assembly, the State Senate passed the measure the same day.
Under the legislation, businesses, organizations, and individuals who invest in Iran’s energy sector are prohibited from doing business with state and local governments. This will help keep taxpayers money out of the hands of international terrorists. This bill was introduced in the aftermath of a suspected attempt by the Iranian government to carry out a terror plot on United States soil. To view video footage of Assemblywoman Schimel’s floor statement on the Iran Divestment Act please visit her website at
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Michelle-Schimel/.
