The Champaign County AFL-CIO – representing more than 6,000 East Central Illinois residents – is hosting a “sign-and-drive” event this weekend for two strong labor supporters seeking public office.

The event takes place from 10am to 1pm Saturday at UA Local 149, 1005 N. Dunlap in Savoy and is in support of Scott Bennett, seeking re-election as State Senator, and Nikki Budzinski, looking to represent the area in Congress.

Residents are welcome to drive through, sign a petition, get a fresh donut from Ye Olde Donut Shoppe and continue with their day.

“We are making it a priority to support those who support us,” said Champaign County AFL-CIO President and Local 149 Business Manager Matt Kelly. “We are committed to paying attention to who has labor roots, who is fighting for labor and whose actions show they support labor.”

From ironworkers to electricians, plumbers to painters, the Champaign County AFL-CIO represents members of 32 labor unions in the area.

Scott Bennett, running for re-election as State Senator, is a former Champaign County Prosecutor who has fought for increased state funding for workforce training and higher education, while also voting to support local labor.

Nikki Budzinski is a Peoria native running for the new 13th Congressional District. She’s worked for the International Association of Firefighters and for the United Food and Commercial Workers, before working with Gov. Pritzker to raise the state’s minimum wage and then with President Biden to implement the federal American Rescue Plan.

“As Senator, Scott Bennett has proven time and again that he is a strong voice for our members and their families,” Kelly added. “Nikki Budzinski has spent her career fighting for better safety and working conditions on behalf of thousands of union members, while also winning fights for better wages and job creation.
“We are proud to organize our members to support these two great candidates.”