House Republican Reps. Drew Stokesbary and Drew MacEwen have introduced a bill that would require all state agencies in Washington to cancel their outstanding contracts with Russian companies, and require the State Investment Board to divest from its pension and other investments in Russian companies.

“At a time when much of the conversation about state government revolves around what divides us, this bill provides an opportunity for us to come together in support of the Ukrainian people as they fight back against a brutal autocrat,” said Stokesbary, R-Auburn. “When we write a budget or manage pension funds, Washingtonians are trusting us with their hard-earned money. Keeping this trust requires managing that money in a way that aligns with our shared values. Washington stands firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and strongly condemns Russia’s military actions against Ukraine. Thus, we must step up and declare that we will not do business with countries that show blatant disregard for the sovereignty of free people. The governor and the Legislature have an obligation to stand against tyranny and keep taxpayer dollars out of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime.”

“Like the rest of the world, I am appalled by the actions of the Russian government and Vladimir Putin,” said MacEwen, R-Union. “Invading Ukraine under false pretenses is an affront to human rights, attacks the principle of self-governance, and threatens the very existence of a free Ukraine. Washington state must immediately divest from Russia to the greatest extent possible. While we work to ensure Putin’s government does not profit from Washington taxpayers, I encourage all Washingtonians to join me in praying for a peaceful resolution to this unprovoked and unjust war—a resolution that restores Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty.”

The 2022 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn March 10.