Title
A MOTION requesting the executive develop a comprehensive response to the crisis in Ukraine.
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WHEREAS, Ukraine is an independent, sovereign country since it proclaimed its independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on August 24, 1991, and
WHEREAS, Ukraine has been a fully independent country since December 1991, and
WHEREAS, in 2014, Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian military to invade and then annex the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in violation of international laws and agreements, and
WHEREAS, on February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin ordered Russian military to invade Ukraine by sending Russian troops into Ukraine and firing missiles on several locations within Ukraine's borders, and
WHEREAS, the United States of America, along with European allies, has imposed sanctions on Russia's military and economy in response to its invasion of Ukraine, and
WHEREAS, the United States of America sanctions prohibit individuals and businesses from trading with Russia's central bank and freeze Russian assets within the United States, and
WHEREAS, on March 1, 2022, the King County council recognized the King County Ukrainian community and expressed support of all Ukrainians, including the 20,000 Ukranian King County residents, the estimated 62,000 Ukranian residents of the greater Puget Sound region, the citizens of Ukraine and the broader worldwide Ukrainian community, and
WHEREAS, K.C.C. chapter 2.93 is the county code related to the purchase of goods and services, K.C.C. chapter 4.10 is the county code related to investments of county funds and K.C.C. chapter 4.14 is the county code about bidding procedures for financial services contracts, and
WHEREAS, K.C.C. chapter 3.36 is the county code related to charitable contributions from county employees and establishes the annual employee giving program, and
WHEREAS, K.C.C. 3.12.222 is the county code section related to employees' donation of vacation or compensatory hours to nonprofit organizations, and
WHEREAS, King County provides opportunities for employees to pledge donations of payroll or time during the annual giving drive;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The council requests that the executive review the county's financial and procurement contracts to ensure the county is not investing in services or purchasing goods that would directly or indirectly benefit the Russian Federation and its leaders.
B. The council requests that the executive examine county inventory for any excess medical or other supplies that could be safely provided to aid Ukraine.
C. The council requests that the executive develop ways to allow employees to utilize the employee giving program immediately to support relief efforts in Ukraine.
D. The council requests that the executive consult with the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission, and work with federal, state and local governments and nonprofit partners, to provide support for refugees who may arrive in King County from Ukraine as a result of the conflict.