Tom Waring, the Wire
During a Capitol news conference, state Rep. Steve Santarsiero said that his bill to protect investments in Israel is a natural step in safeguarding the nation’s strong ties to the only democracy in the Middle East.
House Bill 1018 seeks to counter politically motivated pressure on colleges and universities to boycott or divest from Israel’s commercial interests by barring state funds to any Pennsylvania school that bows to such demands.
“Unfortunately, there is a growing — and alarming — trend on some college and university campuses to launch politically motivated attacks with the intent of pressuring these institutions to engage in boycotts against or divestment from Israel,” Santarsiero said. “The state of Israel is the only dependable, democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East. As such, it is in the interest of this commonwealth to promote America’s close ties with Israel. This legislation would not ban open debate or free speech. It merely creates consequences should schools succumb to political pressure to harm Israel.”
The news conference featured members of the House of Representatives and advocates from the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
“I am proud to have broad bipartisan support for this measure and look forward to working together with the cosponsors and the Jewish federations to get this passed,” he said.
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In other news, Steve Santarsiero presented a citation to the Pennsbury High School girls bowling team that won the state championship during a Capitol ceremony.
The girls won the championship, which was the program’s first, in Lancaster on March 21.
“It’s a pleasure to commend the hard work that student-athletes put into becoming the best of the best,” Santarsiero said. “This team’s accomplishments set a great example for others and inspire each generation of students to compete.”
