SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Reps. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois and Mike Levin of California will convene a roundtable Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Belleville to hear from local stakeholders on ways to make gasoline and utilities more affordable, with a focus on economic development, job growth and immediate relief for working families.
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Budzinski, who represents Illinois’ 13th District, and Levin, who represents California’s 49th District, were appointed earlier this year by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries as co-chairs of a new affordability working group focused on gas and utility prices. Jeffries tasked them with gathering ideas for lowering costs for American families and addressing rising energy expenses in the next Congress.
After the roundtable, Budzinski and Levin will tour the AES Solar Site in Belleville and hold a press conference from 10:20 to 10:50 a.m. to discuss the conversation and outline their vision for the 120th Congress.
The event will be held at the AES Solar Site, 2381 Park Road, Belleville.
Expected participants include Chris Hankins of IBEW Local 309; Cate Caldwell and Keegan Sullivan of the Illinois Environmental Council; Rick Stubblefield of St. Clair County; Eric Oller of Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades/LiUNA Local 459; Hesston Klenk of AES; Kyle Anderson of Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois; Emily Stipe of Vistra Corp.; Joe Solari and Matt Tomc of Ameren Illinois; Andy Poirot of McCarthy Building Companies; and a representative from the Illinois Association of Electric Cooperatives. Additional attendees are possible.
