CA / Armenian Committee

Senators Portantino and Wilk Introduce Bill Allowing Local Agencies to Divest from the Republic of Turkey

Tuesday, February 16 2021

Sacramento, California – Today, Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Canada-Flintridge) and Senator Scott Wilk (R – Santa Clarita) introduced SB 457, a measure that requires the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the State Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) Boards of Administration to allow school districts and cities to opt out of investment vehicles issued or owned by the Republic of Turkey.

Portantino Urges Mercury Public Affairs to Sever its Ties with Turkey

Wednesday, October 21 2020

Glendale, California – Yesterday, Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) sent a strongly worded letter to Mercury Public Affairs calling on the firm to terminate all business with the Turkish Government. Mercury is under contract with Turkey to provide public relations.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s Statement on Azerbaijan’s Attacks on Artsakh

Monday, September 28 2020

Having spent significant time in Artsakh over the past 5 years I have seen a peaceful people who have bravely lived under the threat of violence for three decades. The children and families I broke bread with deserve to fulfill the promise of their lives without bombs and border aggression threatening their futures.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino's Statement on St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church Center Fire

Saturday, September 19 2020

Our churches and church facilities are peaceful places for communities to pray, congregate and support one another. They should not be subjected to arson, vandalism and hate crimes. My heart breaks for Very Reverend Father Smpad Saboundjian, the entire St. Gregory the Illuminator congregation and the greater Armenian American community for this unnecessary act of intimidation. I fully encourage the San Francisco Police Department’s investigation to swiftly determine the cause of the blaze and hold those responsible strictly accountable under the law.

Asbarez: It is Vital that Congress Includes Assistance to Artsakh

Wednesday, July 15 2020

"I am proud to Chair the California State Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange. California is the only state that I am aware of that has formalized an official cooperative effort of this significance. I am also honored to live in a State which recognizes Artsakh as an independent Country and to have been able to have visited Karabakh on three occasions. During my three trips there, I have spent productive time in Shushi, Stepanakert and Hadrut.