OLYMPIA — Friday the Washington State Senate adopted a resolution to show recognition and support for Ukrainian and Ukrainian Americans.
"A year ago I spoke about how inspiring it was to see the Ukrainian nation stand up against a much larger enemy, nearly a David and Goliath situation, that's as true today as it was then," said Senator John Braun (R-Centralia). "They've held the line and they've pushed back; I think we can all be inspired by this."
Senate Bill 8620 was the eighth order of business for the Senate floor in the Friday afternoon session.
The bill states that Washington is home to over 80,000 people with Ukrainian heritage and has one of the largest populations of Ukrainian immigrants in the country. It also states the people of Washington State and Ukraine share a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
"This invasion (by Russia) was an attack on freedom, on a democratic nation and on our post-world war two order," said Senator Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), primary sponsor of the resolution.
Separate from the resolution, Salomon said, is a $3 million request in the senate budget to aid refugees coming to Western Washington from Ukraine.
"We were with Ukraine a year ago, we are with them today (and) we will continue to stand," said Braun. "Of course there will be a price, but freedom has never been free. We should treasure the freedom we enjoy in this country and we should seek to support the Ukrainians as they seek their own."
There were symbols of support on the Senate floor that day; Some of the legislators wore pins showing the American flag and Ukrainian flag side by side, Salomon wore a tie featuring the colors of the Ukrainian flag and a small Ukrainian flag also graced the desk of Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, the president of the Senate.
"This is a very difficult time for many people but I want to give a message of hope," said Salomon. "I have never been more proud of this body in the Senate. The broad bipartisan co-sponsorship of this resolution, the deep understanding of what this suffering is, reaffirms our own bonds of affection (and) makes us stronger together in facing this fight."
The same day it was presented to the Senate, SB 8620 was adopted unanimously.
