WCPT 820 Interview: U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL)

Richard Chew is joined by Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Democrat representing the 13th District of Illinois. She discusses labor rights, federal funding accountability, postal service reliability, and legislative priorities.

Here is a summary of the conversation:

Labor Background and Advocacy
- Congresswoman Budzinski discussed her 10-year career in the labor movement, including three years working for firefighters.
- She served as the national political director for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union for seven years.
- Budzinski emphasized the importance of collective bargaining for negotiating better wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.
- She expressed a desire to strengthen the labor movement to help rebuild the American middle class.

The PRO Act and Organizing
- Budzinski identified herself as an original co-sponsor of the PRO Act to create a level playing field for workers.
- She noted that current laws allow employers to hold "captive audience meetings" that limit union access to employees.

OMB and Federal Funding Issues
- Drawing on her experience as chief of staff at the Office of Management and Budget under President Biden, Budzinski addressed funding delays.
- She criticized the Trump administration's tendency to freeze or withhold funds already appropriated by Congress.
- Specifically, she cited the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in Illinois, noting that high-speed internet funding is being withheld without discernible reason.

Postal Service Challenges
- Budzinski explained that USPS changes under former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy have caused delivery delays in rural areas.
- Downsizing distribution centers has forced mail into longer routes through cities like St. Louis or Chicago before reaching downstate destinations.
- She co-founded a bipartisan postal service caucus consisting of 20 Republicans and 20 Democrats to advocate for universal service obligations.

Protecting Mail-in Ballots
- The congresswoman warned against attempts by the Trump administration to federalize elections through executive orders.
- She argued that voting by mail is safe and secure and remains a vital option for many constituents.
- Budzinski expressed disappointment in Republican colleagues who have remained silent regarding efforts to undermine mail-in voting credibility.

Future Priorities for Congress
- To retake the House, Budzinski stated that Democrats must focus on affordability, health care costs, utility bills, and housing.
- She also emphasized addressing child care, senior care systems, and holding the current administration accountable via congressional tools.
- Regarding her own career path, she expressed interest in joining the House Appropriations Committee to oversee federal spending and accountability.