Testimony — Peggy Gish on HB 188

Summary

Testimony from Peggy Gish, who identifies as a resident of Athens, opposing HB 188. The testimony states that the bill would funnel millions of taxpayer dollars into a foreign partnership with the State of Israel while Ohio communities face deep cuts to libraries, schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services. It states that the author spent time over a 16-year span in Palestine with a peace organization. It states concerns about transparency, oversight and return on investment and asks readers to vote NO on HB 188.

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Full text

My name is Peggy Gish, a resident of Athens, and I strongly oppose HB 188. This bill would
funnel millions of taxpayer dollars into a foreign partnership with the State of Israel at a
time when Ohio communities are facing deep cuts to libraries, schools, healthcare,
infrastructure, and public services and many people will be going hungry.

I spent time over a 16-year span, in Palestine with a peace organization, and have
personally witnessed the suppression of their economic system by Israel, the continual
attacks on families, their olive orchards, crops and livestock by Israeli settlers,
systematically demolishing their homes, in Israel’s attempt to drive them out of their
homes and lands. I have witnessed the pain and suffering this has caused. I have been
appalled by the distorted information about this that American citizens have been fed, and
the brazen support of Israel’s policies.

I am shocked our lawmakers would make such a proposal in this dire moment. I have
serious concerns about this bill’s lack of transparency, oversight, and return on investment
for Ohio taxpayers. The legislation includes no clear benchmarks, performance reporting
requirements, or community input mechanisms. The bill creates a board stacked with
political appointees tied to pro-Israel organizations, explicitly excluding Palestinian, Arab-
American, Muslim, and neutral voices. It contains no independent oversight, no
competitive process, and no clear safeguards to ensure accountability or public benefit.

This is not just about trade. This is about values. Israel is currently under international
investigation for crimes against humanity. A trade partnership now makes Ohio complicit.

I strongly believe Ohio’s resources should stay in Ohio, to build up the economy of our own
communities. Please have a conscience and stand for transparency, equity, and fiscal
responsibility, and consider the people of Ohio who elected you—not foreign lobbyists—
and to vote NO on HB 188.

Sincerely Peggy Gish


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