Sangamon Sun

Rep. Nikki Budzinski, currently serving in the U.S. Congress and representing Illinois’ 13th district, shared a series of tweets on April 11, 2025, addressing key issues concerning veterans, the federal minimum wage, and her upcoming town hall meeting in Chatham. Her tweets reflect her ongoing congressional efforts after replacing former U.S. Congress member Rodney Davis in 2023.

In a tweet posted on April 11, 2025, Budzinski highlighted her collaboration with the Veterans Affairs Democrats. She emphasized the importance of the VA’s VASP program, stating, "The VA’s VASP program is a lifeline, helping veterans stay in their homes if they face hard times." She further indicated her action of joining a letter to VA Secretary Collins, urging him to reconsider his decision to terminate the program that she believes is crucial in protecting veterans from foreclosure.

Later the same day, at 19:30 UTC, Budzinski expressed her support for an increase in the federal minimum wage, which has remained unchanged for over 15 years. In her tweet, she asserted, "It's been more than 15 years since the last increase in the federal minimum wage - that’s unacceptable. No one working 40 hours a week should live in poverty, which is why I’m proud to support the #RaiseTheWage Act!” Her stance aligns with ongoing debates over wage reform at the federal level.

On the same day, Budzinski announced an upcoming town hall in Chatham, scheduled for next Wednesday. She invited her constituents from Illinois's 13th district to participate, stating, "Attention #IL13 - I’m hosting a town hall in Chatham next Wednesday!" She noted the relevance of this engagement amid threats to essential services by the Trump administration, aiming to share her congressional efforts and engage in dialogue with her community.

Nikki Budzinski, a 1999 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts degree, was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1977. Now aged 46, she resides in Springfield, Illinois. Budzinski's career in Congress reflects her proactive approach in addressing local and national issues.