The Illinois General Assembly will consider a bill condemning and sanctioning Russia, three weeks into Russia's war on Ukraine.
Democrat state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, said it is time for Illinois to act.
“This is not a situation where we can sit back and ignore what's happening as countries around the world are imposing tough sanctions on Russia. It is now time for us to do what we can here in Illinois,” said LaPointe.
LaPointe filed a bill Thursday for Illinois to divest from the Russian economy. LaPointe said she put the widespread condemnation of Russia into legislation after three weeks of continued support by Illinoisans for Ukraine during the invasion.
“This bill is about building on those actions and sending a strong message that we here in Illinois oppose Russian aggression,” LaPointe said.
The bill would do three things if passed; it would require Illinois to divest from the Russian economy, allow for the creation of a Ukrainian Refugee Resettlement Program, and establish the Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force.
The bill is expected to have bipartisan support and is awaiting passage through the House.