R.I. Pension Fund takes actions to strengthen corporate accountability through shareholder engagement
September 3, 2019: Rhode Island Treasurer Seth Magaziner has released an overview of the actions his office has taken over the past year to encourage companies in which the pension fund investments to adopt more responsible and sustainable corporate behavior.
"The long-term sustainability of companies in the pension fund is vital to the retirement system and to our members and retirees who spend their careers in public service," said Treasurer Magaziner. "Shareholder engagement allows us to advocate on behalf of our members and hold corporate management and boards accountable."
Research shows that companies that actively measure and manage material sustainability issues are better positioned to deliver long-term value to investors – including members of the pension system and all Rhode Island taxpayers.
Rhode Island's pension fund holds shares in thousands of companies in its investment portfolio. Each year, publicly traded companies ask shareholders to vote on issues including the election of board members and executive pay packages, as well as proposals from shareholders on environmental, social and governance issues.
Treasurer Magaziner's 2019 Shareholder Engagement Overview can be found at: http://treasury.ri.gov/2019_shareholder
