Post by Logan on Feb 11, 2016 2:33:43 GMT -6
PHOENIX -- Calling Israel "one of our greatest allies," a House panel voted Wednesday to stop doing business with firms that boycott the country.
And lawmakers directed pension funds and the state treasurer to sell their shares in those same companies.
The unanimous vote came at the behest of House Speaker David Gowan who also is trying to get traction in his bid for Congress. And it could gain him the support of an important constituency: Every one who testified in favor of HB 2617 was Jewish.
Gowan said the legislation is a counter to a growing movement by those who support Palestinians to convince pension funds to divest from companies that do business with Israel. He said those include Boeing and Caterpillar, firms that both have a presence in Arizona.
Read more: azdailysun.com/news/local/house-panel-votes-to-shun-businesses-that-boycott-israel/article_0b591757-0f15-5861-8318-7494bea6319e.html
And lawmakers directed pension funds and the state treasurer to sell their shares in those same companies.
The unanimous vote came at the behest of House Speaker David Gowan who also is trying to get traction in his bid for Congress. And it could gain him the support of an important constituency: Every one who testified in favor of HB 2617 was Jewish.
Gowan said the legislation is a counter to a growing movement by those who support Palestinians to convince pension funds to divest from companies that do business with Israel. He said those include Boeing and Caterpillar, firms that both have a presence in Arizona.
Read more: azdailysun.com/news/local/house-panel-votes-to-shun-businesses-that-boycott-israel/article_0b591757-0f15-5861-8318-7494bea6319e.html