SACRAMENTO – California State Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced that Senate Bill 1089 (Turkey Divestment Extension Bill), a bill he authored, has been signed into law.

California’s current law, enacted in 2019, requires California’s public employee retirement systems divest from investments in the government of Turkey 18 months after the imposition of federal sanctions on that nation for its refusal to acknowledge its responsibility for the Armenian genocide. Wilk’s measure extends the existing sunset date on this law for another 10 years.

“California stands by our Armenian brothers and sisters as Turkey stands mute. Turkey’s atrocities against the 1.5 million Armenians and its refusal to acknowledge the massacre is one of the greatest tragedies of our time,” said Wilk. “Hopefully California’s continued refusal to invest millions of dollars in the Turkish economy will get their attention.”

Wilk is a founding member of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus and has been recognized as an advocate for the community during his legislative career. He and his wife, Vanessa Safoyan Wilk, have traveled to Armenia many times and are active in the Armenian community.

On Sept. 25, Wilk was named the 2022 Legislator of the Year by the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region at its annual awards gala in Beverly Hills.

President Joe Biden affirmed the United States’ record on the recognition of the Armenian genocide on April 24, 2021. He noted recognition is a step “to ensure that what happened is never repeated.”

Wilk represents the 21st Senate District which includes the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor Valleys.