Rooney: Murphy backpedaling on pension divestment legislation very disappointing

TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney (R-Bergen) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Phil Murphy’s conditional veto of legislation (S1208/A997) prohibiting the state from investing in companies that shirk their environmental cleanup obligations. As a candidate Murphy said he supported pension divestment for similar causes.

“It’s very disappointing that Gov. Murphy is now backpedaling on policy he said he fully supported when running for governor. This legislation as it stands is clear. It holds companies accountable for their reckless behavior. Why would the state want to invest in a company that relies on deceitful business practices to bolster its bottom line? His conditional veto clearly weakens the bill instead of following legislative intent. One has to wonder what other promises he will flip-flop on in the future.”