Bills calling for divestment from Iran were left pending in a Senate subcommittee last legislative session, but Gov. Rick Perry is giving new attention to the issue. The governor could call a special session to discuss the matter before legislators reconvene in 2009.
"The governor went to Israel last month, which only fueled his passion for divestment," said Krista Moody, a spokeswoman for the governor. "Iran is a hostile country with a terror focus."
Perry traveled to Israel to receive the Friend of Zion award from Global Capital Associates, a private group dedicated to building valuable partnerships throughout the world. The award thanks leaders who have promoted the close alliance between America and the Jewish state.
The Global Capital Web site touted Gov. Perry's attendance among other "world leaders," including former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and former presidential envoy to Iraq, L. Paul Bremer III, on the international networking trip.
Moody said if Texas were its own country, it would have the 10th largest economy in the world, so the state's financial divestment from a country will present a real economic impact.
It is within the governor's power to call a special session if he cannot begin the divestment process through executive order.
"I don't think he can get this done through executive order considering failed issues last [session] like the HPV vaccination," said Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin.
In February, Gov. Perry tried to use his executive order to require 11- to 12-year-old girls be vaccinated against the virus, which marked the 80th Legislature's first power struggle. Lawmakers said Perry's order excluded public opinion and neglected the legislative process.
Naishtat said he doesn't know if it is wise to call a special session at this time for Iran divestment, because it's a fruitless endeavor in light of the fact that bills were filed last session.
"What has changed since last session?" Naishtat said. "The state department has declared five countries as sponsors of terror, including Cuba, North Korea, Syria, Sudan and Iran, so would the governor want legislators to look at divestment of funds from those countries too?"
Naishtat also stressed the financial aspect: A special session would cost tax payers.
"It could cost the state between $1 million and $1.7 million for a 30-day special session," he said. "It's a lot of money to spend, especially when the odds aren't very good that the governor will get what he wants from it."
Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said it would not bother him if a special session was called.
"I'm from Austin and work on being a senator most days anyway," Watson said. "I do think some serious consideration needs to be given to Iran."
Watson said the position the president of Iran has taken, including toward the state of Israel, is enough to withdraw investments.
"The position of Iran on a variety of factors is justification for thought about divestment," Watson said.
Naishtat said calling a special session suggests the governor could have additional motives.
"A special session would be good if he were thinking about running on a national level," he said. "I don't know what his motives are but there's been talk of him running for vice president."
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