Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has $262,500,000 of state funds invested in Israel Bonds. On November 1st, a bond for $15 million will mature followed by more bonds in the coming months. For each bond that matures, the treasurer will have the option to reinvest in Israel Bonds or invest the money elsewhere. Now is the time to mobilize to demand Treasurer Sprague stop sinking our tax dollars into unethical and financially irresponsible Israel Bonds! Counties across Ohio have achieved major victories in the struggle to divest county treasuries from Israel Bonds, with $10 million divested since the end of 2024.
Last year, Israel Bonds were downgraded by all three credit rating agencies. Most Ohio county treasurers have halted new investments but Treasurer Sprague, cozy with the Development Corporation for Israel, has continued to invest despite the increasing risk and public criticism. In tying up state resources in Israeli bonds, Sprague has committed Ohioans to political support for the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
CALL TREASURER ROBERT SPRAGUE'S OFFICE - (614) 466-2160
• Ask to speak with a representative about the state's investment portfolio.
HERE'S A SCRIPT TO USE:
You: "Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I'm an Ohio taxpayer from [City/County]. I'm calling to urge the Treasurer's office to stop investing in Israel Bonds and put Ohio first.”
"Will you please pass my message on to Treasurer Robert Sprague and his team?"
(Pause for their response.)
⚠️"Ohio has over $262 million of our taxpayer money in these bonds, which are now high-risk with a downgraded credit rating. This is a fiscally irresponsible use of our money."
⚠️"In the past nine months, almost every county with maturing Israel bonds has chosen to divest, including Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Richland, and Summit counties and recently Lucas county has voted to cease investment in Israel Bonds. They know that this would yield a poor outcome for Ohio taxpayers, and the state should follow their lead."
⚠️”Considering the International Criminal Court's ruling and the global consensus that Israel is committing genocide, our state's continued complicity in funding war crimes is highly unethical. Investing in Israel bonds exposes both the Treasurer's office and Ohio taxpayers to the risk of liability for financing human rights violations.”
⚠️"Specifically, $15 million in Israel Bonds will be maturing on November 1st. I urge the Treasurer's office to not reinvest this money."
⚠️"Please, stop putting our money into high-risk, unethical investments. Instead, redirect these funds into safer, stable investments that benefit Ohio taxpayers."
"Thank you for your time."
Tell Ohio State Treasurer Robert Sprague NO MORE ISRAEL BONDS!
