Login | May 15, 2025
Bill would create panel to explore trade options between Ohio and Israel
KEITH ARNOLD
Special to the Legal News
Published: May 8, 2025
A committee in the Ohio House of Representatives is considering bipartisan legislation to create a special partnership for the purposes of developing trade, investment and economic support––among other relationships––between the Buckeye State and Israel.
House Bill 188 would create the Ohio-Israel Trade and Innovation Partnership, a 17-person commission charged with exploring bilateral trade and collaboration, fostering business and academic exchanges and promoting economic support and infrastructure investment between the partners, according to Rep. Eric Synenberg, the Beachwood Democrat who jointly sponsors the bill.
“Members of the committee and the public may rightly wonder, ‘Why Israel?’ Well, Israel has earned its reputation worldwide as the ‘Start-Up Nation,’” Synenberg said during a Development Committee hearing.
He said 63 Israeli companies were listed on the tech-heavy NASDAQ in 2009 with the number having more than doubled 16 years later.
“U.S. businesses account for almost two-thirds of the more than 300 research and development firms established by multinational companies in Israel,” the lawmaker continued. “American tech companies like Intel, Microsoft and Apple built their first overseas R&D facilities in Israel.”
Six members would be appointed by leadership of the House and Ohio Senate (three from each), while the governor would be responsible for appointing eight members representing the interests of colleges and universities, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Jewish communities, JobsOhio and the business community.
The final three members would include the chancellor of Higher Education, the state development director and the lieutenant governor.
“Additionally, the commission will look to expand multilateral partnerships beyond Ohio and Israel to other nations regarding emerging technologies and innovation opportunities, such as Europe, Asia, and, most notably, (the Persian) Gulf states,” Synenberg said.
He said the collaboration between Ohio and Israel dates back to 1990 when the Jewish state was the first foreign nation to establish a trade office with the state Department of Development.
“Our economic relationship is also demonstrated by the Ohio-Israel Agriculture and Cleantech initiative, a 22-year-old partnership that has led to nearly $100 million in trade in agriculture, sustainable technology and water systems,” he continued. “With this bill, we seek to formalize this partnership and continue building on the momentum, ensuring Ohio remains one of Israel’s top choices to do business.”
HB 188’s other joint sponsor, Rep. Thomas Hall, R-Madison Township, said a recent visit to Israel alerted him to the prospect of missed opportunity.
“In August of 2023, I was very fortunate to take a trip to Israel as a part of a delegation of the Ohio House. During the trip, we were able to meet with various industries and startups located in Israel and learn more about their business climate,” the Butler County lawmaker said. “I would ask, when these businesses would reach certain metrics or look to grow their business, where is the next location they would seek? Their answer included states likes like New York and Florida or even Europe. But never once was Ohio mentioned.”
Hall said HB 188 is a means to change that dynamic through an alliance that would foster growth and innovation between the two parties.
Ten House members co-sponsor the bill, which awaits further consideration by the committee.
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