David Bue for CT State Treasurer



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   David Bue
   for State Treasurer

Socially Responsible Investing


Increasingly, people realize they can make a difference in their own communities and in the world by following the principles of Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), all while earning competitive returns.

SRI is based on three complementary practices:
  • Companies in an investment portfolio are screened according to various social criteria, such as their environmental impact, labor practices, and corporate governance.
  • Companies in which investments are made are lobbied to improve their business practices - a process known as shareholder activism.
  • At least a portion of assets are invested in ways that promote community development, e.g., economic opportunities and affordable housing in lower and middle income communities.
Collectively, these practices have had a significant impact both on corporate behavior and on poverty both in the United States and abroad.

SRI is growing rapidly, as evidence accumulates not only that competitive returns can be earned in this manner but also that, as we enter the 21st century, new paradigms for economic activity are emerging. Businesses that ignore such issues as climate change and fair labor practices may be sacrificing their long-term competitiveness in a short-sighted attempt to boost the next quarter's returns. As a result, an ever larger percentage of assets are being managed using some or all of the principles of SRI. In the U.S. alone, this figure is estimated to be $2.1 trillion, or one out of every 8 dollars invested.

Contact: David Bue for State Treasurer, 1-B River Oaks Rd, Westport, CT 06880
203-454-3577, davebue @ optonline.net