CHICAGO – A comprehensive response to the invasion of Ukraine from state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, will prohibit state investment in Russia, strengthen support for Ukrainian refugees, target Russian oligarchs and create an elections-focused task force to defend Illinois from foreign interference.
LaPointe’s measure received bipartisan support and was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
“This proposal underscores the values we believe in here in Illinois,” LaPointe said. “In the face of senseless bloodshed and immeasurable loss, it was critically-important that we send a strong message in support of the Ukrainian people.”
LaPointe’s House Bill 1293 targets Russia and its war ally Belarus by:
– Expressly prohibiting state entities – including the treasurer and retirement systems – from investing in Russia or Belarus.
– Creating a Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force focused on identifying and closing loopholes in state law and practice exploited by Russian oligarchs for money laundering purposes.
– Developing the Illinois Elections and Infrastructure Integrity Task Force to prepare for and prevent cyberattacks and other election interference efforts in advance of the 2024 elections and beyond. Additionally, the legislation aims to help Ukrainian refugees resettle in Illinois by further enabling the Department of Human Services with emergency rulemaking powers.
“As innocent civilians continue to be slaughtered in this unjustified war, there is no excuse for Illinois financial interests to have any association with Russia,” LaPointe said. “We cannot sit back; we must continue to take real action here at home to make an impact. I am appreciative of the love and support our community has shown for the Ukrainian people, and encourage others to help however they can.”
