Lobbying – Trillium Asset Management

60 Institutional and Individual Investors Press 48 Companies for Disclosure of Lobbying in 2014

February 18, 2014

February 18, 2014 // Boston, MA: Investors today announced the filing of shareholder resolutions at 48 corporations as part of a 2014 proxy season initiative asking companies to annually report their federal and state lobbying. That includes any payments to trade associations used for lobbying as well as support for tax-exempt organizations that write and endorse model legislation. The lobbying disclosure initiative is a natural extension of ongoing shareholder efforts seeking greater corporate political spending transparency and accountability. Specifically, enhanced lobbying disclosure will enable shareholders to better evaluate whether a company’s lobbying expenditures and actions advance the company’s interests and …

Endo Health Solutions Exits ALEC

January 8, 2014

January 8, 2014: Trillium Asset Management is pleased to announce that following our engagement with Endo Health Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:ENDP) (Endo), the company is no longer a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is a lobbying network of politicians and corporations that has introduced many conservative bills in state legislatures, some of which become law; including “Stand Your Ground”, voter identification and Arizona’s controversial immigration law SB 1070. The organization is also known for its efforts at deregulation, opposition to climate change legislation and activism against the Affordable Care Act. These and other controversial positions …

Trillium Successfully Withdraws Lobbying Disclosure Resolution at Amgen

December 9, 2013

December 9, 2013: Trillium Asset Management is pleased to announce that it has withdrawn a shareholder proposal at Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) following commitments from the company that will lead to greater transparency in their reporting of lobbying spending. Trillium filed the resolution on behalf of our clients, including Social Justice Fund Northwest. Beginning in 2014, Amgen will annually disclose its membership in trade associations along with the amounts the trade associations spend from its fees for non-deductible lobbying activities. In addition, Amgen has committed to publish an annual list of all states where it files lobbying reports and provide links …

Lobbying Disclosure Report – Endo Pharmaceuticals (2013)

December 27, 2012

Whereas, corporate lobbying exposes our company to risks that could affect the company’s stated goals, objectives, and ultimately shareholder value. Whereas, we rely on information provided by our company to evaluate goals and objectives, and we, therefore, have a strong interest in full disclosure of our company’s lobbying to assess whether it’s lobbying is consistent with its expressed goals and in the best interests of shareholders and long-term value. Resolved, the shareholders of Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. (“Endo”) request the Board authorize the preparation of a report, updated annually, disclosing: Company policy and procedures governing lobbying, both direct and indirect, …

Political Contributions Report – CenturyLink, Inc. (2013)

December 10, 2012

Resolved, that the shareholders of CenturyLink, Inc. (“CTL” or “Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semiannually, disclosing the Company’s: Policies and procedures for making, with corporate funds or assets, contributions and expenditures (direct or indirect) to (a) participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, or (b) influence the general public, or any segment thereof, with respect to an election or referendum. Monetary and non-monetary contributions and expenditures (direct and indirect) used in the manner described in section 1 above, including: The identity of the …

Lobbying Disclosure – FedEx Corporation (2012)

April 26, 2012

Whereas, businesses, like individuals, have a recognized legal right to express opinions to legislators and regulators on public policy matters. It is important that our company’s lobbying positions, and processes to influence public policy, are transparent. Public opinion is skeptical of corporate influence on Congress and public policy and questionable lobbying activity may pose risks to our company’s reputation when controversial positions are embraced. Hence, we believe full disclosure of FedEx’s policies, procedures and oversight mechanisms is warranted. Resolved, the stockholders of FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) request the Board authorize the preparation of a report, updated annually, and disclosing: 1. …

Lobbying Disclosure – UnitedHealth Group (2012)

January 11, 2012

Resolved: Shareholders of UnitedHealth Group (“UNH” or the “Company”) request that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorize the preparation of a report, updated annually, disclosing: 1. Company policy and procedures governing the lobbying of legislators and regulators, including that done on the Company’s behalf by trade organizations. The disclosure should include both direct and indirect lobbying and grassroots lobbying communications. 2. A listing of payments (both direct and indirect, including payments to trade organizations) used for direct lobbying as well as grassroots lobbying communications, including the amount of the payment and the recipient. 3. Membership in and payments to …