The members of the Missouri House have approved a resolution to express their support for Ukraine and its people and to condemn Russia’s attack on the sovereign nation.
“We proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its cata-strophic decision to invade this sovereign nation,” said the resolution’s sponsor.
HR 3658 condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms and strongly endorses swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls on Russia. Additionally, the resolution urges Russia to “immediately cease its violent, illegal and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed and return to diploma-cy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many.” The resolution also recommends to the president and Congress to reaffirm the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
State Leaders Announce “Missouri Stands with Ukraine” Initiative (HB 2913): House Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher has announced the new “Missouri Stands with Ukraine” initiative in response to the Russian invasion of the sovereign nation and unprovoked aggression perpetrated by Vladimir Putin on the people of Ukraine.
Plocher is the sponsor of HB 2913, which targets business transactions with Russia and Russian entities. Plocher was also joined at the announcement by Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe who asked all Missouri retailers to consider voluntarily removing Russian-made or Russian-branded products from store shelves and encouraged Missouri businesses to identify suitable product alternatives through the state’s “Buy Missouri” program.
“Our message today is clear. Missouri is open for business to those who value democracy, human rights, free enterprise and self-determination,” Plocher said. He add-ed, “Brave Missourians – our servicemen and women – have served with honor to defend these values for over 160 years. These values made our country great and are the envy of the free world. History calls on every generation to defend freedom when necessary. We will do our small part in Missouri to lead the way.”
HB 2913 directs a complete suspension of Missouri business activities involving state entities and private businesses receiving public funding are not contracting with Russia, Russian entities or any country that is attacking or occupying a NATO member, Ukraine, Finland, Sweden or Georgia.
“Missouri will do its part in this critical moment in history,” Kehoe said. “As the Buy Missouri advocate for our state, I always encourage Missourians to purchase locally and now it is more important than ever to do so. No matter how large the transaction, even if it’s a single product on a store shelf, the amplified effect of these decisions send a direct and meaningful message to the Russian government that Missourians support Ukraine.”
This week, Gov. Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian national flag, beginning at sunset March 1, until sunrise March 4.
“We join the rest of the nation and the world in expressing our condemnation of the attacks on Ukraine and this Russian assault on democracy,” Plocher said. “We are proud that the Capitol dome will shine blue and yellow, showing that Missourians stand in solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Ukraine as they fight against Putin’s tyranny.”
Scholarship information: Women Legislators of Missouri are encouraging young women set to graduate from high school to apply for a college scholarship.
The Women Legislators of Missouri Caucus created the senior scholarship program for Missouri senior women graduates to provide financial assistance to students on the basis of leadership, academics and community service.
Candidates must fill out an application and are required to submit a 500-word es-say answering the question, “If you were a state legislator, what would you hope to accomplish and why?” A link to download the scholarship is located at www.http://bit.ly/molegwomen.
The submission deadline March 24. The group will select recipients and then hold a reception in their honor April 25 at the Missouri State Capitol. Scholarships will be presented to the recipients in the Missouri House Chamber.
