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Committee hears proponent testimony on HB 188 to create Ohio–Israel trade and innovation partnership; members press for oversight and spending details
Summary
Proponents told the House Development Committee HB 188 would spur trade, startup market-entry and workforce development through a new Ohio–Israel partnership backed by $5 million per biennium. Members pressed for specifics on how funds would be allocated, oversight and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
Proponents told the Ohio House Development Committee that House Bill 188 would create an Ohio–Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership to promote trade, research collaboration and workforce development and that the partnership could help bring Israeli startups and investments to Ohio.
"The chamber is proud to stand in support of HB 188, which creates the Ohio Israel trade and innovation partnership between our 2 nations," said Rick Carfagna, identified in the transcript as representing the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. He cited state trade figures, saying "Ohio exported nearly $242,000,000 worth of manufacturing goods to Israel in 2023" and that Ohio's exports to Israel since 1996 have totaled more than "$6,000,000,000." Carfagna said the partnership would advance trade, business and academic exchanges and other collaborative efforts.
Howie Begelman, president of Ohio Jewish Communities, told the committee the partnership should focus on three…
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