A recent AFSCME investigative report shows that mutual funds rubber stamp excessive levels of CEO pay. The fact is that for years mutual funds boards have been run by insiders who are more in tune with generating expensive fees that enrich management or cozying up to companies in order to sell them lucrative pension products. So these mutual funds don’t challenge CEO pay because they don’t want to alienate a business opportunity -- no matter what it costs their shareholders.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge the SEC to require an independent chairperson on mutual fund boards. Too often mutual funds are designed to enrich fund insiders and management. The role of independent directors is critical to ensure the protection of small, individual directors.

A recent study by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and the Corporate Library found that mutual funds provide a rubber stamp for excessive management pay, supporting over three-quarters of all management pay proposals. Ninety percent of institutional investors think the current system overpays executives. Independent directors are needed to stand up to the excesses of the money managers.

The Investment Company Act requires that mutual funds be managed in the interests of their shareholders. Requiring independent directors and chairpersons will help ensure this safeguard for the small investor, to make sure the little person gets a fair shake.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 23, 2006