INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana’s Teacher’s Retirement Fund (TRF) and the state’s Public Employee Retirement Fund (PERF) would no longer do business with companies who invest in countries providing support to terrorist groups if Sen. Ron Alting’s (R-Lafayette) legislation becomes law this session. A Senate panel will consider the bill Thursday.

Alting’s divestment legislation – Senate Bill 562 – would require PERF and TRF retirement fund administrators to contact companies with business dealings in nations suspected by the State Department of sponsoring terrorism and request that they cease those business ties. Alting’s bill would prevent PERF and TRF from investing in companies unresponsive to requests.

“Our state employees trust these retirement funds to invest their hard-earned dollars. This legislation helps PERF and TRF assure clients their money is not contributing to terrorism,” Alting said. “Senate Bill 562 sends a clear message Hoosiers will not support violent acts of terrorism that claim many innocent lives.”

Alting said his bill is one way Indiana can help with the Global War on Terrorism.

“Some nations and multi-national companies are thought by experts to supply terrorist groups with the funds, weapons, materials and secure areas they need to carry out their depraved plans,” Alting said. “As a state, we are insisting these businesses end their ties to suspect companies and nations by withdrawing PERF and TRF investments.

According to Alting, the Senate Committee on Appropriations will meet Thursday in Room 431 at the Statehouse beginning at 8:30 a.m. To watch the proceedings online visit http://asx.ihets.org/senate431/live.asx.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Influencing Indiana’s future may be just a computer mouse click away, says State Sens. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) and Ron Alting (R-Lafayette).

Senators this week launch a dynamic, new online “virtual office” bringing Indiana state government — its elected officials and agencies — as close as a work, home or school computer.

In a joint statement released senators said, “Communication is important as we begin the 2009 legislative session. I will be working hard to balance the state budget, protect education funding, permanently cap property taxes and continue job creation across our state. As always, constituent input will be both valuable and appreciated.”

Senators encourage Senate District 7 residents to log onto www.in.gov/senator.hershman and Senate District 22 residents to log onto www.in.gov/senator.alting to access current legislation, view live hearings, provide immediate input and receive updates.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) participated in the Indiana General Assembly’s annual “Organization Day” yesterday and said he is eager for the 2009 legislative session to begin.

Alting said he planned to focus on helping the state maintain a balanced budget, protect education funding, permanently cap property taxes and continue job creation efforts.

“We have many exciting opportunities ahead to improve our state,” Alting said. “I look forward to the upcoming session and building upon some of the momentum created in previous sessions.”

Alting joined in the affirmation of Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) as President Pro Tempore and Jennifer Mertz as secretary of the Senate.

This will be a long session for the Indiana General Assembly, which begins in January and runs through the end of April. Indiana Supreme Court Justice Brent E. Dickson presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office. Each year, Organization Day officially marks the first day of the upcoming legislative session. It is usually ceremonial, highlighted by new members being sworn into office.

Alting encouraged constituents to stay in touch during the session by signing up for electronic legislative updates at http://www.in.gov/s22.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.