In an effort to prevent New York State from providing financial support to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Assemblymembers Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows), Todd Kaminsky (D- Five Towns) and Phil Goldfeder (D – Far Rockaway) have sponsored legislation that would continue efforts to bar Iranian access to state funds and contracts. This proposal comes amid strong opposition to the Obama Administration’s Iran Deal and escalating violence perpetrated by Iranian-backed groups in the ongoing Syrian Civil War.

“This bill is about ensuring New York State can exercise its legal authority in prohibiting companies from doing business in Iran’s energy sector,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, who is the first Israeli member elected to the State Legislature. “In keeping existing sanctions against Iran, we are sending a strong message that the State will not stand for any threat against the security of its citizens and disruption of global stability.”

“Recently, Iran held our soldiers and fellow Americans hostage, pledged to compensate the families of terrorists who perpetrate horrific acts of terror in Israel, and intends to get its hands on nuclear weapons to carry out more atrocities, both against our allies abroad, as well as right here at home,” said Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky. “It is time for us to act and ensure that the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism does not have the fiscal means to acquire nuclear capabilities and inflict more harm upon the world, and that’s exactly what this bill will do.”

“Iran is a leading sponsor of terrorism as well as a major threat to global stability, and the recent Iran Deal has only emboldened them to continue their dangerous activities. When Washington fails to act, our great state must be prepared to stand up to this terrorist menace,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “The New York State Iran Divestment Act will ensure that our families’ hard-earned tax dollars do not go towards Iran’s efforts to undermine countries across the Middle East and threaten Israel’s right to exist as a Democratic, Jewish nation. I am proud to lead this effort and I urge all my colleagues to join in support.”

The bill would build on New York’s long history as a leader in applying pressure to Iran and its leadership. According to the legislation, it would update the Iran Divestment Act of 2012 to ensure that law’s provisions would remain in effect regardless of recent negotiations between the Obama Administration and Iranian officials to end long-running sanctions in exchange for a halt to Iran’s nuclear weapon.

Under the 2012 Act, the State Office of General Services (OGS) is required to identify individuals or entities that invest more than $20 million in goods services or credit in the Iranian energy sector. Those identified and added to the OGS list are then prohibited from entering into or renewing contracts with New York State and local governments. This list can be found on the OGS website.

Kaminsky, Rozic and Goldfeder have been a staunch supporters of efforts to fight terrorism and keep in place state sanctions and divestment against the Iranian regime. Last fall, they led a bipartisan coalition urging Governor Cuomo to continue state sanctions against Iran. This push came just days ahead of the vote in Congress’s on President Obama’s proposed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to lift international sanctions.

“Sadly, our families in New York know the threat of terrorism all too well. It would be irresponsible of us not to do everything in our power to prevent state sponsors of terrorism like Iran from spreading evil across the globe. Cutting their funding off at the source is an important step,” concluded Goldfeder.

(YWN Desk – NYC)