Anti-BDS measure will aid Nevada’s economy

By Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison

Thursday, May 11, 2017 | 2 a.m.

I was pleased to read Congresswoman Jacky Rosen’s recent column condemning the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, a growing global campaign against Israel.

Anti-BDS legislation has triggered national and statewide discussions. As a state elected official, I introduced Senate Bill 26 this legislative session to enable Nevada to prioritize financially effective business practices and diversification over political discrimination.

Effectively, Senate Bill 26 provides that Nevada will not contract with, or invest in, companies that boycott, divest or sanction Israel for political purposes.

Over the last couple of years, Nevada has been fortunate to rebound from the recession and diversify our economy in ways we only previously talked about. In prohibiting purchasing and investments with companies that make fundamental economic decisions motivated by politics, Senate Bill 26 presents an opportunity to enhance our economic progress.

Public contracts should be structured to maximize the financial benefits to Nevada and our business partners. A company making a business decision based on political discrimination is the antithesis of this goal. Moreover, as elected officials whose primary stewardship lies in the effective and efficient use of taxpayers’ dollars, we should undoubtedly be concerned with any company motivated by politics over legitimate business performance when selecting parties with whom the state contracts and invests.

Additionally, Nevada’s recovery from the recession and the effects of our diversification and innovation have spread throughout the state, bringing good jobs for our residents and providing safe, stable communities in which our families live. Israel and Israeli companies have a competitive edge in business sectors that have proven to be significant to our diversification − water technology and UAV technology to name just two.

If we want Nevada to keep and develop a competitive edge, we must ensure that our state policy is welcoming to Israel and Israeli businesses.

I’m proud to champion Senate Bill 26, anti-BDS legislation that proclaims that Nevada prioritizes and values the financial performance of state contracts and investments over discrimination.

Mark Hutchison, a Las Vegas native, was elected lieutenant governor in 2014 after serving in the state Senate.