Chicago City Wire

Illinois State Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) recently issued an apology for missing the Stand with Ukraine rally on April 3 and is co-sponsoring legislation to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Stephens is co-sponsoring House Resolution 711, which condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine and calls for state and local units of government to reevaluate any investments that benefit Russia. Rep. Jay Hoffman is the primary sponsor of the resolution.

"Although I wish I could be there in person with constituents, I send my support from Springfield to all participating in the Stand with Ukraine rally today," Stephens wrote in an April 3 press release. "I am proud to represent St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church and 20th District Ukrainian Americans in Springfield. I am co-sponsoring House Resolution 711, which condemns Russia for this attack and urges Illinois to divest in Russia-related investments. I stand with the people of Ukraine, the Ukrainian American community and refugees and victims of this horrific invasion of their sovereign nation."

The Chicagoland area is home to more than 54,000 Ukrainian Americans, according to Axios. Many Ukrainian Americans live in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood, as well as in Palatine, Elmwood Park, near St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church and in Palos Heights.

St. Joseph the Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church is located on Cumberland Avenue in northwest Chicago, according to the church's website. The granite cornerstone of the church bears the engraved words, “For the Glory of God and Future Generations."