In a show of solidarity with Israel, Colorado’s governor signed a bill against anti-Israel boycotts.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper on March 18 signed a bill requiring the state’s retirement program to divest from companies that boycott Israel, the Denver Business Journal reported.
House Bill 1284, a bipartisan motion sponsored by state Reps. Dan Nordberg, and Dominick Moreno, represents a rare interference by the Legislature in investment strategies by the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association that affect half a million retired state workers., the journal noted.
Supporters of bill said the action was necessary to protect America’s greatest ally in the Middle East.
The Democratic governor, who has a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, agreed.
“It’s nice to have this done, so we can talk about this on the big stage,” Hickenlooper told supporters in his office after the bill signing, relating to his appearance at the
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in Washington, D.C.
“What it does is tell people, Israel is our ally, and what we want is peace,” said Senator Larry Crowder.
The bill, which sparked a lively debate on the Senate floor, won tentative approval in the state Senate earlier in the month.
California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have passed, or are considering, bills or resolutions against the boycott movement. Another 35 states are reportedly considering similar legislation.
By: United with Israel Staff
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