Conklin votes for legislation to show solidarity with Ukraine

HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, showed solidarity with Ukraine today as he voted to pass the Restriction for Associations with Russia and Belarus Act (S.B. 282).

Sponsored by Sen. Dave Argall, R-Schuylkill, the Restriction for Associations with Russia and Belarus Act would prohibit the commonwealth from awarding state contracts, grants or tax credits to companies if the Treasury Department determines the Russian or Belarusian governments own, control or act on behalf of the businesses.

The act is in direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which caused the deaths of more than 130,000 Ukrainians and violations of human rights.

“Today, Pennsylvania takes a stand with the people of Ukraine,” Conklin said. “By passing the Restriction for Associations with Russia and Belarus Act, we show solidarity with Ukrainians abroad, as well as those in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., and to all those who value their freedom. Our commonwealth will not be complicit in war crimes and the violations of international law perpetrated by the Russian and Belarusian governments.”

The House State Government Committee, which Conklin chairs, unanimously reported the Restriction for Associations with Russia and Belarus Act out of committee, he noted. It passed unanimously in the House.

The legislation now awaits Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature.