NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming issued a response to WWL political analyst Clancy DuBos' commentary of Fleming refusing to let Bank of America serve as a state fiscal agent.
DuBos' comment stating that Fleming cares "more about culture wars" than economic development is a false charge, the state treasurer said in a video response on Thursday.
In 'Clancy's Commentary' DuBos said Fleming "falsely accuses BoA of discrimination, citing its 'E-S-G' investment policy that takes into account environmental, social and governance policies."
But Fleming disagrees, stating that he didn't accuse Bank of America of anything.
"It has been widely publicized that religious conservatives, firearm manufacturers, and oil and gas producers are being denied services by Bank of America," Fleming said. "Which joined the UN-convened Net Zero banking Alliance, a radical green leftist organization that's harming the economic future of our nation."
On the other hand, DuBos said Bank of America also handles billions of dollars for oil and gas companies and religious nonprofits. Also that, BoA recently opened branches in Louisiana, creating jobs and competition for our dollars.
Fleming responded that he has not recommended Bank of America be approved as "an authorized fiscal agent in our state until they cease these detrimental activities," he said in the video.
Read the state treasurer's full response below:
"Hello. I'm Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming. On this station, your political analyst, Clancy DuBos made the false charge that I care more about the culture wars than economic development. On the contrary, President Trump appointed me and the US Senate confirmed me in 2019 to lead the US economic development administration in Washington, where I led the effort to support commerce across the nation during the pandemic. As state treasurer, we have improved our bond rating, funded important projects in the bond commission, and achieved record-breaking results in our investment portfolio. All these achievements will help foster economic development in Louisiana. Mr. Dubos is incorrect because I am not falsely accusing Bank of America of anything. It has been widely publicized that religious conservatives, firearm manufacturers, and oil and gas producers are being denied services by Bank of America, which joined the UN-convened Net Zero banking Alliance, a radical green leftist organization that's harming the economic future of our nation. Due to the documented discriminatory practices that could hurt the people of Louisiana, I have recommended that Bank of America not be approved as an authorized fiscal agent in our state until they cease these detrimental activities. Thank you."
Disclaimer: the opinionated expressions in this story do not reflect WWL Louisiana
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