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Public testimony split over Maryland Israel Development Center grant; supporters cite jobs, critics cite military ties
Summary
Multiple witnesses at the appropriations subcommittee hearing urged opposite outcomes on a $300,000 Commerce grant to the Maryland Israel Development Center: trade and community groups said the MIDC helps attract Israeli companies and jobs, while activists and impacted residents urged ending state funding because some beneficiary companies have
A large panel of public witnesses at the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee hearing debated whether the state should continue an annual Commerce grant supporting the Maryland Israel Development Center (MIDC).
Supporters: jobs and trade promotion. David Spear, executive director of the MIDC, told the panel the organization has helped attract Israeli companies that have created jobs and economic activity in Maryland and that the MIDC provides matchmaking and export support without charging the companies fees. “Over the years, the return on investment includes these companies contributing hundreds of millions of dollars directly to Marylanders in the form of job creation and economic…
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