Actions states can take to support Ukraine
Designate Russia a state sponsor of terror
Sample text: Michigan S. 976 and H. 5869
S. 976 and H. 5869 in Michigan are identical companion bills that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terror. This action in Michigan triggers divestment of the state pension funds. According to staff, since Governor Whitmer directed the divestment of state pension funds, the bill is no longer moving. The Ukraine Crisis Response Committee of Michigan will be meeting with the sponsor again to recommend that the bill continue moving.
Congress is considering S.Res. 623 by Sen. Graham (R-SC) and H.Res. 1113 by Rep. Wilson (R-SC) to designate Russia a state sponsor of terror.
Host an exhibit about the War in Ukraine
(this is sample borrowed text) Datallion is a project founded and run by women in Ukraine (many of them mothers and wives), supported by international volunteers, fighting on the information frontlines of russia’s war against Ukraine.
By sending an explicit warning and sharing unambiguous factual evidence about the threat russia poses to the democratic international system, make clear to the world the vital need to stand with Ukraine to win this war.
Host an exhibit by reaching out to Datallion here.
Start a Ukraine Caucus
In Congress, the Senate Ukraine Caucus is co-chaired by Sen. Portman (R-OH) and Sen. Durbin (D-IL. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Kaptur (D-OH), Rep. Fitzpatrick (D-PA), Rep. Harris (R-MD), and Rep. Quigley (D-IL).
The Central & East European Coalition encourages states to start Ukraine Caucuses to offer unified American support for Ukraine and to support state-level pro-Ukraine legislation.
Support refugees
States may help refugees at varying levels. Further examples will be provided later.
Divest public funds and cut business ties from Russia and Belarus
Case study: Georgia
On February 28th, 2022, Governor Kemp directed a review to divest all public funds from Russia. After the executive order, S. 562 was passed in both chambers and signed by Governor Kemp on May 4th, 2022 to prohibit all Russian or Belarusian-government owned businesses from having contracts with the state of Georgia.
Case study: New Jersey
On March 2nd, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 291 to require state agencies to review their authority to suspend or revoke licenses, permits, registrations, and certifications of companies owned or controlled by the government of Russia, Belarus, or their instrumentalities, and businesses that invest directly in such companies.
Then on March 9th, 2022, Governor Murphy signed S. 1889 which prohibits state contracts with instruments of the Russian or Belarusian governments.
Case study: New York
Governor Hochul issued two executive orders related to Russia. Executive Order 14, issued on February 27th, 2022, directs state agencies to divest their funds from Russia.
Then on March 17th, 2022, Executive Order 16 was issued to prohibit the state from entering in contracts with businesses conducting business operations in Russia.
Review sister city relationships
Case study: Hawaii HCR 32
Hawaii HCR 32 encourages cities in Hawaii to review their sister city relationships with any Russian, Belarusian, or Ukrainian cities.
Case study: Virginia directive
On February 26th, 2022, Governor Youngkin directed all Virginian mayors, including the mayors of Norfolk and Roanoke, to end sister city partnerships with Russian cities.
Create a money laundering in real estate task force
Case study: Illinois H. 1293
Illinois H. 1293 would create a Money Laundering in Real Estate Task Force. The bill cites the fact that the “United States Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network found, in 2017, that:
- 30% of all high-end real estate purchases in major metropolitan areas involved beneficial owners or purchasers who were the subject of previous suspicious activity reports
- The United States, unlike Canada and several other jurisdictions, does not require real estate agents and brokers to file suspicious transaction reports
- The lack of beneficial ownership transparency is an important factor in facilitating money laundering in real estate.
The bill passed the House unanimously on April 5th, 2022. The bill is expected to be considered in the Senate in the Fall.
Pass resolutions supporting Ukraine and condemning Putin
In 2022, 40 states passed 83 resolutions either supporting Ukraine or condemning Putin.
Central & East European Coalition members
American Hungarian Federation • American Latvian Association • Armenian Assembly of America • Belarusian-American Association • Bulgarian Institute for Research and Analysis • Congress of Romanian Americans • Washington Chapter Czechoslovak National Council of America • Estonian American National Council • Georgian Association in the USA • Hungarian American Coalition • Joint Baltic American National Committee • Lithuanian American Council • Lithuanian American Community • National Federation of American Hungarians • Polish American Congress • Slovak League of America • Ukrainian Congress Committee of America • Ukrainian National Association