CHICAGO, Ill. – Even as legislation to a similar end makes its way through the Illinois General Assembly, the state’s top political leaders say Illinois money is leaving Russia.
Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch issued a joint statement Friday, denouncing the Russian war on Ukraine, and say they will work to advance legislation to, quote, remove any Russian companies from Illinois’ pension assets”.
They also say they will prohibit any Russian-based companies to contract in Illinois.
They say they hope that negotiations can bring an end to violence, while they also stand for democracy.
The full statement is below.
“As Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine escalates, it threatens everyone around the world. We are unified in our belief that Putin must be stopped. Working together, our offices will advance legislation to remove any Russian companies from Illinois’ pension assets and prohibit contracting with any companies based in Russia. Beyond these financial consequences, we will also join national efforts to assist with this heartbreaking refugee crisis. We are hopeful that negotiations can bring about an end to this violence, but until then Illinois must stand strong for democracy and support the brave men and women of Ukraine in defending their country.”
