Inslee Directive Bans New Contracts With Russian Companies

Seattle WA

07 March, 2022

5:10 PM

Description

OLYMPIA, WA — A new directive issued by Gov. Jay Inslee this month bars state agencies from signing contracts or making investments with entities controlled by the Russian government, in response to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The directive also charges cabinet agency heads to identify and end any existing contracts that fit the bill. "The invasion, which continues, has resulted in grievous loss of life among Ukrainian military personnel and civilians, and it has sparked an historic refugee crisis with global impacts — influencing for Washington state's large Ukrainian, Russian, and other Eastern European communities," Inslee's directive reads in part. "Virtually the entire world, including governments, businesses, and ordinary citizens, have united in condemnation of this unjust invasion, resulting in unprecedented economic sanctions upon Russian state institutions and leaders." The governor's state-level directive extends to potential contracts or investments with companies that are under any level of Russian state ownership and any companies or people already under federal sanctions. Inslee's office said the state was still working to determine how many "current or planned contracts or procurements" would be impacted by the directive. According to the governor's office the Washington State Investment Board, which oversees retirement and public trust investments, will also work to restrict Russia-linked investments, estimated to account for a small fraction of its total assets. The order requires all state agencies to submit a summary of their initial contract reviews to the governor's general counsel by March 18 and await further direction.