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Montana committee approves trade office in Israel after heated public opposition
Summary
The House Business and Labor Committee approved House Bill 950 to establish a Montana trade office in Israel after hours of testimony that included sharp public objections about human-rights implications and arguments from state commerce officials on economic benefits.
Representative Brad Barker introduced House Bill 950 to establish a Montana trade office in Israel and requested an appropriation to staff and operate the office. Barker said Montana already operates trade offices in Taiwan and Japan and argued a presence in Israel would help Montana firms in photonics, ag and water technology, cyber and biotech research and development. "This is to promote Montana businesses and the growth of areas that are important to Montana," Barker said.
Opponents packed the public-comment record. Jane Clarke, speaking as a private citizen, urged lawmakers to keep taxpayer dollars in…
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