House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 21, 2016 03:12 PM
From:	Representative Matthew E. Baker
To:	All House members
Subject:	DGS Contract Reform

In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to prohibit the Department of General Services (DGS) from entering into a contract with an entity that is engaging in an economic boycott against Israel. The international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement is one of the main vehicles for spreading anti-Semitism. BDS organizations across Pennsylvania, the United States, and internationally, advocate for the elimination of the Jewish State. You may recall that last year, my resolution that condemned the prevalence of BDS organizations at state colleges in Pennsylvania passed unanimously. BDS is advocating for economic boycotts against Israel. Because these economic boycotts are increasing in popularity, I am sponsoring this legislation. In this bill, potential businesses must verify they are not engaging in an economic boycott against Israel prior to entering into a contract with DGS. This legislation makes it very clear that companies can either perform a BDS action or they can do business with Pennsylvania. However, they cannot do both. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. Thank you for your interest and support.

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