Sangamon Sun

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Peoria) is supporting legislation that would divest state investments from Russian business interests.

“Proud to cosponsor this legislation so our state can stand with the people of Ukraine,” Butler posted on. Facebook.

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

“All you have to do is google Bucha to see the mind-numbing atrocities the Russians, under the direction of Putin, have committed in Ukraine,” Butler posted on his website. “One of the young Ukrainian leaders I hosted at our Capitol a few years ago was one of the mayors who was abducted by Russian troops. It’s hard to imagine this is actually happening in 2022, but it is and we must stand tall to oppose it.”

The state will start looking into various ties between Illinois and Russia through a new bill.

As of April 6, the war is on its 42nd day, and according to NBC, NATO foreign ministers are gathering in Brussels, where they expect to get an update on the situation in Ukraine from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, especially regarding peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

ABC Heart of Illinois reported the bill will have the State Board of Higher Education to investigate any support from people associated with Russian individuals or companies.

House Bill 1293 has been referred to the committee on assignments in the Senate.

The bill in part: "Prohibits the investment of State moneys and public funds in certain investments or institutions tied to Russia or Belarus. ...  Provides that the State-funded retirement systems shall not invest moneys in Russian or Belarusian sovereign debt, Russian or Belarusian government-backed securities, any investment instrument issued by an entity that is domiciled or has its principal place of business in Russia or Belarus."