JCRC would like to thank Representative McMurtry and Senator Creem for sponsoring anti-BDS amendments to the House and Senate versions of the Economic Development Bill (H. 4413 and S. 2432) this session. Although both amendments were ultimately withdrawn in recent days, we thank them for their strong support for our community and for Israel.

In withdrawing their amendments, it was very clear that the reasons were in the interest of time, and not substance, given upcoming recesses and the need to fully brief their colleagues. Sponsors of the amendments, and JCRC, firmly believe that this language puts in place a standard to ensure that the state does not subsidize discriminatory businesses that passes free speech review. This language was passed in South Carolina and Rhode Island and another nine states passed similar legislation. We plan to take up the issue again next session and expect that when there is time to more fully brief the membership, it will also be passed in MA.

We believe that when we band together to demonstrate our support for Israel next session, this important legislation will be passed in Massachusetts as a similar resolution passed with unanimous support earlier this session.