House adopts Howrylak resolution addressing the situation in Ukraine

State Rep. Martin Howrylak this week introduced a resolution to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and to encourage the Ukrainian government to support a democratic society where its citizens have the right to assemble and express themselves.   The resolution, HR 281, adopted by the Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday, commends U.S. Department of State for issuing its strongly worded statement on Tuesday regarding the current unrest in Ukraine.

            The resolution applauds Secretary of State John Kerry for encouraging the Ukrainian people to not abandon the course of a democratic society and encourages support for the Ukrainian people in the state of Michigan. 

            The resolution, which had 15 co-sponsors, includes the following statement “Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian community in Michigan as they support the Ukrainian people in their desire to be free from an oppressive regime and to live in a civil society where freedoms are respected and the marketplace of ideas, free speech, and thought are encouraged without fear of retribution and imprisonment”

           “There are people of Ukrainian descent in our state who have relatives in the Ukraine and it can be worrisome knowing there is a crisis,” said Howrylak, R-Troy. “My hope is that this resolution will encourage awareness of the issue and help support our Ukrainian community as we look toward solutions for Ukraine.”