Hoffman Passes Resolution Supporting Ukraine, Encourages State to Divest from Russia

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Emphasizing the need to stand up for the people of Ukraine, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, passed a resolution Tuesday that condemns Russia’s invasion, encourages the state to divest from Russian assets and shows solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

“I’m appalled by the senseless violence we are seeing in Ukraine,” Hoffman said. “Innocent families torn apart, communities destroyed and decades of future suffering caused by the ego of a disgraceful Russian leader. It’s important that Illinois joins the rest of the world in standing up against this disastrous and unnecessary invasion by Russia.”

Hoffman introduced and led the adoption of House Resolution 711, which in addition to expressing the need for solidarity with Ukraine, notes that Illinois is home to the second largest population of residents with Ukrainian ancestry in the United States.

Hoffman also supported the passage of House Bill 1293 on Tuesday, which puts Illinois on a path to divest from Russian stocks and sovereign debt, develops a Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force that would assess the exposure of Illinois real estate to illicit Russian investments, and empowers the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to begin a Refugee Resettlement Program that could provide health care, mental health services and English language assistance to Ukrainians and others who are granted temporary protected status or refugee status.

“There’s a lot of people here in Illinois who are rightfully scared about the wellbeing of their friends and family in Ukraine,” Hoffman said. “This is an incredibly sad situation, I’m appreciative of those in our community who have stepped up to send donations and other assistance. Let’s work together to send a strong message.”