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Minutes for HB2409 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Prohibiting state contracts with companies that are engaged in an anti-Israeli boycott.
Minutes Content for Thu, May 4, 2017
The Chairperson opened the hearing on HB 2409.
David Soffer stated that the Kansas Department of Commerce absolutely unequivocally supports HB 2409. It is the best interest of Kansas to continue our strong trade relationship with Israel. It is not only our trade that is important to protect, as we have multiple companies from Israel that have decided to make Kansas their home (Attachment 1).
Bill Sutton spoke about the BDS movement. BDS stands for Boycott, Divest and Sanction and is an act of economic warfare against America's closest ally in the Middle East. To date, 17 states have approved versions of anti-BDS legislation (Attachment 2).
Marjorie Robinow supports HB 2409. Businesses that contract with the State of Kansas must certify that they do not engage in discrimination against Israel(Attachment 3).
Jacob Pellegrino also supports HB 2409. He is a student at the University of Kansas where he is a pro-Israel activist and a leader within the pro-Israel movement on campus(Attachment 4).
Ian Munro is opposed to HB 2409. He feels that the bill is contradictory and unnecessary. It also contradicts longstanding U.S.foreign policy(Attachment 5).
Chairperson Estes closed the hearing on SB 2409.
