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Shareholders Propose Economic Security Measures at Major Banks

Shareholders Propose Economic Security Measures at Major Banks

Published 11-12-08

Submitted by Harrington Investments, Inc.

NAPA,CA. "“ November 12, 2008 - In response to global economic meltdown brought on by the country's largest financial institutions, Harrington Investments, Inc., (HII) a socially responsible investment (SRI) advisory firm, announced today that they have submitted binding bylaw amendments at Citigroup, Bank of America and Goldman Sachs that would create Board Committees on U.S. Economic Security.

The three banks have received a total of $60 billion in Federal assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the U.S. Treasury.

The bylaw states that the board should consider the impact of bank policies on U.S. economic security as part of their fiduciary duty:

U.S. Economic Security' impacted by bank policy may include, among other things 1) the long term health of the economy of the U.S., 2) the economic well-being of U.S. citizens, as reflected in indicators such as levels of employment, wages, consumer installment debt and home ownership, 3) levels of domestic and foreign control, and holdings of securities and debt, of companies incorporated or headquartered in the U.S. and 4) the extent to which our company holds securities of foreign companies or has employees or representatives holding positions on the boards of directors of foreign companies.

The U.S. Treasury has purchased preferred stock in these companies but has waved all voting rights. This effectively leaves no mechanism for U.S. taxpayers to intervene, should these banks act irresponsibly or against the interest of their most important shareholder "“ the American people.

"Following recent government interventions, there can be no doubt that the financial integrity of these companies is interdependent with a strong and secure U.S. economy, said John Harrington, CEO of Harrington Investments, Inc.

"The time has come for shareholders and members of the public to demand that bank managers and boards work to ensure that recent events are not repeated and that the investment by the US taxpayers brings reciprocal benefit to U.S. economic security in general," stated Harrington.

The shareholder statement that will be included on proxies argues that such a dramatic taxpayer effort to stabilize the U.S. economic system was precipitated by "years of irresponsible lending and business practices. Unregulated trading in speculative derivatives and a general lack of management and board oversight at major U.S. financial institutions has brought the global economy to the brink of disaster."

Harrington Investments has a long history of advocating for corporate responsibility. It is HII's philosophy that corporations which act in the interests of all stakeholders in society are also acting in the long-term interests of shareowners.

Under TARP, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs received $25 billion each and Bank of America received $10 billion in federal bailout funds.

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Harrington Investments, Inc.

Harrington Investments, Inc.

Registered Investment Advisor:Exclusively Socially Responsible Investment Management

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