Lower Bucks Today

Reps. Natalie Mihalek, Kristin Marcell, and Rob Mercuri have introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania's support for Israel. The legislation seeks to withhold state funds from higher education institutions that engage in boycotts or divestments against Israel. It also prohibits divestment of holdings within the Pennsylvania State Treasury or Commonwealth pension funds.

Rob Mercuri expressed concerns about recent campus activities, stating, "We cannot ignore the troubling and lawless developments on our college campuses. University leaders must stand firm against misguided protests and not be swayed by pressures to divest from Israel." He emphasized that the proposed legislation would ensure that Pennsylvania funding aligns with support for Israel in its fight against terrorism and antisemitism.

The bill comes in response to some successful protests earlier this year across U.S. college campuses that prompted universities to consider divesting from Israel and companies linked to the Israeli government. The language of the bill is similar to another measure passed by the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 41-7, which restricts any state-controlled fund from being divested from Israel.

This legislative effort affects several financial entities, including Pennsylvania's multibillion-dollar general fund and various retirement funds such as the State Employees' Retirement Fund, Public School Employees’ Retirement Fund, and Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Fund.

Regarding educational funding, colleges and universities that choose to boycott or divest from Israel would face denial of Commonwealth funds. This provision applies to institutions within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, community colleges, four state-related universities, and private universities receiving state grants.

Natalie Mihalek highlighted the importance of standing with Israel: "The nation of Israel is a beacon of democracy in an otherwise volatile region of the world... Opposing hatred and standing with Israel crosses party lines and political ideologies."