On Wednesday, March 2, House Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher, announced the new “Missouri Stands with Ukraine” initiative in response to the Russian invasion on the people of Ukraine.
According to a press release, the initiative, which includes HB 2913 sponsored by Representative Plocher, targets business transactions with Russia and Russian entities. Plocher was also joined at the announcement by Lieutenant Governor 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.
Plocher said “Our message today is clear. Missouri is open for business to those who value democracy, human rights, free enterprise, and self-determination. 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.
Kehoe says, “Missouri will do its part in this critical moment in history. 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.”
On Tuesday, March 1, Governor Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine blue and yellow – the colors of the Ukrainian national flag- until sunrise on Friday, March 4, 2022.