Kansas is about to join the national discussion on what some have referred to as "woke" investments that take into account nonfinancial factors. Legislators throughout the country are more focused on where and how public money is being invested.
Kansas manages its public employee pension system with the assistance of big investment firms. Those organizations have come under growing assault for their investment strategies; conservatives feel they are undermining the oil and natural gas sectors.
Kansas legislation backed by Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, and Rep. Michael Murphy, R-Sylvia, would require the state divest from entities that apply ESG factors to their investment decisions.
