Nikki Budzinski

Corruption is rampant in Washington – and that has to change. Today, I’m unveiling an Anti-Corruption Agenda, demanding action in Congress to end Citizens United, ban insider trading and hold SCOTUS accountable. Here’s the plan.

Here’s a Halloween trick. Candy is up 15.3% this Halloween. Cocoa and sugar prices are actually DOWN — but corporations pocketed the savings instead of passing them on. Working families deserve a treat of an economy that actually passes savings along.

Eight years ago, 11 lives were taken in an horrific act of antisemitism at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. Today, we honor their memories and reaffirm our commitment to eliminating antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

Illinois agricultural diesel hit a record $5.76 per gallon this month — the highest price since 2008. Before the Iran war started, it was $3.90. That compounded with fertilizer prices and a trade war with Canada – is costing Central and Southern Illinois farmers.

I visited the New Broadview in East St. Louis — a historic 1927 hotel transformed into 110 units of affordable housing for seniors and veterans. A $44.5M investment, and the 2026 national award winner for Housing Tax Credit Excellence in Veterans Housing.

During my veterans roundtable in Springfield, I heard firsthand about what women veterans and survivors of Military Sexual Trauma are facing. It’s why I was proud to introduce a bill to ensure proper, specialized training for VA care providers to best serve our service members.

Kids deserve the classic trick-or-treating experience. But President Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran have driven up the cost of cocoa, sugar, and fuel — which means candy prices are up, and families are paying more just to keep the bowl stocked for the neighborhood kids.

8 in 10 voters — across party lines — say lowering the cost of living should be Congress’s top priority. When I talk with folks in IL-13 – they are saying the exact same thing.

Since President Trump took office, American families have been hit with higher costs across the board. Families have spent an additional $240 more on electricity. This is what reckless tariffs, an unauthorized war in Iran, and a failure to invest in working families actually looks like.

I had the honor of speaking with the Dunn Fellows for their lunch and learn series — a program that brings together emerging leaders in government and public service. We talked about civic engagement and the realities of leadership.

Farming is the work of generations. But right now, sky-high land prices, machinery costs, tariffs, and market volatility are making it harder than ever for the next generation to take over. Family farms across Central and Southern Illinois are navigating the same pressures.

The average family in IL-13 has spent $4,700+ more under this Administration. $861 more on housing. $789 more on gas from the Iran War. ACA premiums up 50%. The President promised to end inflation, instead he made it worse.

Farm debt is at record levels and farmers are projected to lose money on most crops through 2027. Rural hospitals are cutting services. And the people responsible are asking rural voters to do it again.

October is LGBTQ+ History Month! As a proud member of @equality.house.gov, I'm joining my colleagues in celebrating the diverse and vibrant history of the LGBTQ+ community and equal rights movement. Let's continue to uplift the stories of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors.

The war with Iran has cost the average American household $2,000 so far — $1,100 in higher gas and freight costs, $540 in higher interest rates, $360 in military spending. Gas is up to $4.34 a gallon. Diesel is near $5.80. Working families are absorbing this, and they deserve to know it.

My office is accepting intern applications! If you’re a student or recent grad who wants to see how Congress works from the inside — and do real, meaningful work along the way — we want to hear from you. Visit budzinski.house.gov/internships to apply and learn more.

Today is National Mammography Day. Routine screenings are one of the most powerful tools we have against breast cancer — and early detection can make all the difference. If you’re due for a mammogram, make the call today.

🚨TODAY: My team will be traveling across Central and Southern Illinois for Mobile Office Hours! I encourage everyone to visit, bring their questions and see how we can assist with constituent services like passports, social security and more.

🚨TOMORROW: My team will be traveling across Central and Southern Illinois for Mobile Office Hours! I encourage everyone to visit, bring their questions and see how we can assist with constituent services every third Thursday of the month.

Winter is coming, and with heating oil up 34%, many families are worried about the cost of staying warm. I support policies that lower costs, including more domestic energy production, and LIHEAP assistance. No family should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table.

Did you know 70% of women who seek medical care for menopause symptoms don't receive the treatment they need? Join us for #MenopauseAwarenessWeek to learn about symptoms, treatment options, and more. bit.ly/ILMenopause

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, where we honor the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Today and every day, let’s continue to support Indigenous communities and work to advance a more just and equal future.

Earlier this week, the USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego after an extraordinary 286 days at sea, one of the longest carrier deployments since the Vietnam War. To every service member returning home, and to the families who never stopped watching the calendar: welcome home, and thank you.

ICYMI: The Milburn family of Springfield just got life-changing news. Their daughter Lottie, who has Sanfilippo syndrome type A, is approved to receive Fayuvi — the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for this disease. My office was proud to advocate alongside this family.

Too many women navigate perimenopause and menopause without the information or support they deserve. Next week, we’re changing that. I’m partnering with @ltgovstratton.illinois.gov for Illinois Menopause Awareness Week — bringing free webinars with doctors and specialists to women across Illinois.

Consumer prices are up 3.5% over the past year. Food at the grocery store is up 2.7%. Everyday items families rely on — are seeing the sharpest price increases, driven directly by tariff costs being passed on to consumers.

The U.S. trade deficit hit $105.6 billion in August — the highest level in 17 months.This administration promised that tariffs would fix this — but it’s only made it worse. We deserve a real strategy to stop the squeeze on families in Central and Southern Illinois.

5.2 million Americans have lost SNAP benefits since the Big Ugly Law passed. SNAP enrollment is at its lowest level since 2019, and some states are considering leaving the program entirely because they can't afford the new cost Congressional Republicans are shifting onto them.

Last year, I led 30 House members demanding answers from Dollar General and Family Dollar about overcharging customers at the register and it's happening at a time when families are already stretched thin. You shouldn't have to fact-check every receipt.

Happy World Teachers' Day to the educators across Central and Southern Illinois who show up every single day for their students. Teaching is one of the most important jobs there is — and it deserves to be treated that way. Thank you. 🍎

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. I'll keep fighting to expand access to mental health care, reduce barriers to treatment, and make sure our communities have the resources they need. And to anyone who's struggling right now: you are not alone, and help is available.

Every day, we lose an estimated 22 veterans to suicide. That is not a statistic we can accept. If you or a veteran you know is struggling, call or text 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Diesel prices hit $6.51 a gallon last week. Illinois farmers are already absorbing higher fuel costs, higher input costs, and a trade war that's closed off export markets. This administration has had every tool available to help and keeps choosing not to use them. That's unacceptable.