SENATOR CROCI AND THE STATE SENATE PASS BILL SUPPORTING ISRAEL AND OTHER U.S. ALLIES TARGETED BY BOYCOTTS

Media Contacts:                                                                                                                                           

Christine Geed, Communications Specialist

geed@nysenate.gov or (631) 398-8044

 Jennifer Romero, Press Secretary

jromero@nysenate.gov or (631) 513-5657

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, January 21, 2016

For Immediate Release

Hauppauge, NY – Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville) announces that the New York State Senate passed a bill that prohibits the state from doing business with companies that seek to harm Israel and other American allies through boycotts and discriminatory economic agendas. The bill (S6378A) expands existing state law to prevent New York from entering into a state contract or investment with those seeking to economically harm American allies.

“New York taxpayers do not deserve to have their tax dollars used to support nations that seek to boycott United States allies, such as Israel. In essence, this legislation will ultimately increase our protection as a state because we have strengthened our relationship with our ally nations across the world. I am proud to support this bill and I hope that the Assembly and Governor will act quickly on this legislation that will put a stop to state contracts and investments with those that don’t support American allies,” stated Senator Croci.

The legislation passed this week would expand New York’s law by prohibiting state contracting with or state investment in businesses or individuals that promote or engage in activities to boycott, sanction, or divest in Israel and other American allied nations. This would prevent the state from becoming unwilling participants in a discriminatory agenda.

The state would use publicly available information to develop a reference list of companies, organizations, or other entities that have engaged in or promoted boycotts of American allies. New Jersey, Illinois, and South Carolina have adopted similar laws to ensure that their taxpayers are not paying to support these entities.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov

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