| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| October 27, 2017 |
| Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839 |
| Governor Walker Reaffirms Support for Israel, Prohibits Discriminatory Boycotts of Israel in State Contracting |
| MADISON – Governor Scott Walker issued Executive Order #261 today prohibiting state agencies from contracting with any business entity that discriminates against Israel. The executive order was issued as Governor Walker leads a 15-member trade delegation to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The trade mission runs through November 2.
“We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and we wholly support our friends in Israel,” said Governor Walker. “I look forward to leading a trade delegation to Israel to foster new trade partnerships between Wisconsin and Israeli businesses.” Wisconsin and the State of Israel enjoy a robust trading relationship, with Wisconsin exporting over $80 million annually to Israel and importing over $200 million annually from Israel. In addition, Governor Walker supports a bill co-authored by Senator Leah Vukmir (R – Brookfield) and Representative Dale Kooyenga (R – Brookfield) which would prohibit any entity in state government or local government from adopting a rule, ordinance, policy, or procedure that involves the entity in a boycott of Israel, or a boycott of a person doing business in Israel or in a territory under Israeli jurisdiction. The bill also requires that state contracts for materials, supplies, equipment, and services include a provision that the vendor is not currently participating in and will not participate in a boycott of Israel during the contract. (Senate Bill 450 and Assembly Bill 553) A copy of Executive Order #261 is attached. |
