Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Statement on Employee Retirement System of Texas' Shareholder Resolution Proxy Votes
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement on May 2nd following news that several of the Employee Retirement System of Texas' (ERS) proxy votes go against the spirit of state law passed by the 87th Texas Legislature:
“I am outraged by news that the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS) has voted by proxy for numerous shareholder resolutions that go against the spirit of laws passed by the 87th Texas Legislature. Moving forward, ERS has pledged to review and modify its voting policies with its voting proxy to address my concerns.
"Our various investment funds' focus should be on getting the best return on their funds. If companies they invest in take positions that harm Texas, they need to re-evaluate those investments."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Says Abortion Will Be Banned in Texas if the U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade
“If the leaked draft is indeed accurate, it is a great day for innocent babies in the womb. They will finally be safe in Texas and other Republican states. Prayerfully, in time, all states will protect them.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today, May 3rd:
"If accurate that Roe v. Wade is set to be overturned, this is a great day for life. Media reports estimate that as many as 62 million innocent babies have been aborted since the Supreme Court decided Roe in 1973.
“Texas has already taken decisive action on this issue. Not only did the Texas Legislature pass the Heartbeat Bill that has already saved thousands of innocent babies since becoming law last September, we also passed the Trigger Bill, which I made a top priority last session.
"A Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe adheres to the Constitution and returns the decision on abortion back to the states as mandated by the 10th Amendment. The Trigger Bill ensures that if Roe is overturned, abortion is banned in Texas. Our Trigger Bill protects the mother from any criminal or civil penalty. If a doctor attempts an abortion, it is a second degree felony. If the baby dies, that doctor would face a first degree felony.
"I am sure the left will fight to allow abortion in Texas. They will not win that fight.
"We are steadfastly a pro-life state and have made tremendous efforts to support women in their decision to choose life. I have led the charge to more than double funding for our Alternatives to Abortion program, which provides services to women who choose life. We will also continue to strengthen adoption programs in Texas and support families who welcome adopted children into their loving homes.
"Texas has led the way to protect innocent life in the womb. . .”