State Sen. Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr., has filed a bill that would require the Commonwealth to divest public money from international companies that have ties to the Sudanese government. The bill has seven Senate co-sponsors, and 16 House co-sponsors.
"Public employees in Massachusetts should not have to worry that their pensions are coming from businesses that support a genocidal and terrorist regime," said Nuciforo (D-Pittsfield), Senate Chair of the Financial Services Committee. "The purpose of divesting is to encourage the companies that do business with Sudan to halt operations until the Sudanese government stops the violence and allows international aid to provide critical assistance."
Last year, a bipartisan Congressional resolution unanimously declared that genocide had occurred in Sudan. The UN said the situation in Darfur, Sudan is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. Sudan is also on the State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism.
In 1997, the Clinton Administration imposed restrictions on American companies from doing business with Sudan. However, many international companies still do business with the unelected, fundamentalist government of Sudan. Supporters of the divestment bill say that these companies provide the financial resources and moral cover for the Sudanese government. The companies, 83 in total, include PetroChina, Taftnet, ABB, Alcatel, and Seimens, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are owned by state pension funds across the country.
The non-profit Center for Security Policy estimates that Massachusetts has a total of $1.4 billion invested in these, and other international companies. Harvard University recently announced that it will sell about $4.4 million of shares of PetroChina.
Earlier this year, Nuciforo met with students from Williams College in Williamstown, who worked to develop the legislation.
"After learning about the situation in Darfur, many other students and I felt two emotions: anger and purpose. There was no way we would be silent while such large scale atrocities were being committed. The only question was whether we could find a representative who felt that same level of moral responsibility. We found that moral leadership in Senator Nuciforo," said Williams College student Seth Izen.
"Since then, we have worked together to put forward divestment legislation which will pressure the government of Sudan to end the violence and allow all international aid efforts. We are now working on a nationwide divestment campaign (http://www.sudandivestment.com) with other students at Williams College and Harvard University."
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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