Florida News Straight From the Source
U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18) and Grace Meng (NY-6) today sent a bipartisan letter with 73 other Members of Congress to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan urging him to expand the Global Entry Program to Israel. [Read more…] about Mast, Meng Urge DHS To Add Israel To Global Entry Program
U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18), who volunteered alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following his U.S. military service, and U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-30) today introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming support for collaboration among United States nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), including faith-based organizations, and the IDF to deliver humanitarian assistance to Syrians, such as through “Operation Good Neighbor.” [Read more…] about Mast, Sherman Introduce Resolution Supporting Israel’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Syria
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis visited Boca Raton this afternoon to make another commitment to the steadfast relationship with Israel by pledging to invest an additional $10 million in Israel bonds in 2019. [Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis: Unprecedented Economic Investment in Israel
The Florida Cabinet today accepted the State Board of Administration’s recommendation of placing Airbnb on the Scrutinized Companies List. Please see the below statement from Governor Ron DeSantis on this decision: [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis’ Statement on Cabinet Decision Placing Airbnb on Scrutinized Companies List
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis released the following statement on the adoption of the Florida Cabinet’s resolution today proclaiming Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. [Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis: Florida Stands United with Israel
Yesterday, surrounded by a group of bipartisan legislators and faith leaders, Governor Ron DeSantis announced several actions his administration is taking to affirm Florida’s steadfast support of the State of Israel. [Read more…] about ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Actions to Affirm Florida’s Support of Israel
“Gov. Scott Visits Israel for the Opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem”
WFTX-FTM (FOX)– Fort Myers, FL
May 15, 2018
To view the clip, click HERE.
Ahead of his planned visit to Israel, Gov. Scott proclaimed Monday as Florida’s Celebration of Israel’s 70th Independence Day, recognizing the close relationship between Israel and Florida. To read the proclamation, click HERE.
As announced on May 4, Governor Rick Scott will travel to Israel for the May 14 opening of the new United States Embassy in Jerusalem. The trip will mark the Governor’s third official visit to Israel. The most recent visit was in December 2017 where the Governor expressed his full support of moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. To view video of the Governor at the Western Wall expressing his support, click HERE.
On Sunday, May 13, Governor Scott will attend a dinner with the Friends of Zion Museum honoring the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem.
On Monday, May 14, Governor Scott will attend the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Before the opening, Governor Scott will attend a breakfast hosted by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. A more detailed schedule will be released soon.
Governor Rick Scott signed HB 545, a bill that prohibits state agencies and local governments from contracting with companies that are boycotting Israel.
Governor Scott said, “In December, I led a trade mission to continue to build Florida and Israel’s strong relationship. I applaud the Legislature for passing HB 545, and this bill shows the world that Florida will not do business with those that boycott Israel. I’m also proud to highlight this year’s Securing Florida’s Future budget which includes a $2 million investment in Jewish Day Schools. Every student deserves to be able to learn in a safe environment and we will continue to do all we can to keep our students safe.”
Governor Scott also highlighted the $2 million investment in security funding for Jewish Day Schools included in the Securing Florida’s Future budget. Funding will be used to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment. Last year, Governor Scott approved more than $650,000 for security at Jewish Day Schools.
Throughout the Governor’s time in office he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and support for Israel. In 2011, Governor’s led a trade mission to Israel which ultimately established the successful Florida-Israel Memorandum of Understanding Agreement between Space Florida and Israel, to support research, development, and aerospace and technology projects. In 2016, Governor Scott signed legislation which prohibits the State Board of Administration from investing in companies that boycott Israel. Governor Scott also supported the U.S. Embassy moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In December, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida business and education leaders on another trade mission to Israel. Florida’s economic development and trading partnership with Israel exceeds $283 million a year.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced today an increase in Florida’s investment in Israel Bonds by $10 million in 2018, increasing the state’s holdings to an unprecedented $50 million. The decision comes after discussions with Israel’s Finance Minister, Moshe Kahlon, and representatives, including the president, from Israel Bonds. Florida is the third largest U.S. state investor in the State of Israel.
“During a time when our nation is criticized and attacked for moving our embassy to Jerusalem, it’s incredibly important to signal to the world that we stand firmly with the State of Israel,” said CFO Jimmy Patronis. “Israel’s economy has seen significant growth over the years including expanded development in the high-tech industry. Increasing our investment in Israel by $10 million this year not only provides a good return on investment, but strengthens our relationship. The interests of Israel will always be the interests of the United States, and this unprecedented investment further cements us as friends, allies, and economic partners.”
“With a commitment to innovation and cutting edge technology, the State of Israel’s economy is vibrant and growing,” said Moshe Kahlon, Finance Minister of Israel. “Investment in Israel Bonds is an investment in Israel. It tells to the world that Florida and Israel are not only friends, but have shared economic interests. I’m grateful for CFO Jimmy Patronis’ leadership and commitment to the relationship forged between our great nations.”
“Israel Bonds is thrilled to deepen our partnership with the State of Florida,” said Israel Maimon, President of Israel Bonds. “We are proud to work with CFO Jimmy Patronis to increase Florida’s investment. Investing in Israel Bonds supports Israel’s economy, helping to keep it strong and resilient.’’
The State of Florida, through the Department of Financial Services (DFS) Division of Treasury, currently holds $40 million in Israel Bonds.
