Ohio”s state treasurer, Robert Sprague, a longtime proponent of Israel Bonds, recently participated in a discussion at the Israel Bonds 2023 International Leadership Conference in Washington, DC, explaining why purchasing Israel Bonds for the state was important to him as a means to support Israel.
Sprague noted that Ohio”s investment portfolio contains a major investment in Israel Bonds that shows the state”s ongoing support of Israel as well as being a sound investment, the Cleveland Jewish News reported.
He recalled that as a member of the Ohio House, he co-sponsored a bill that enabled the state and Ohio counties to double the amount of Israel Bonds they could own. The original proposal eventually was added into the state”s anti-BDS bill.
The Ohio Treasurer”s Office”s portfolio contains $182.5 million worth of Israel bonds. It has added an additional $20 million since the start of the year.
“Since taking office in 2019, the Ohio Treasurer has purchased $202.5 million in Israel bonds,” Sprague said. “They diversify our portfolio, provide a strong rate of return, and have proven reliability over 71 years. They have been a valuable investment for the citizens of Ohio.”

Ohio is currently one of the largest government owners of Israel Bonds in the United States.
“For 30 years, Ohio has turned to Israel Bonds as a sound and effective investment for our state,” Sprague said. “With their competitive interest rates and strong record of reliable payments, Israel Bonds continue to be a valuable investment for Ohioans.”

Every Ohio state treasurer has purchased Israel Bonds since 1993.