Rock Island Today

PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and other Illinois labor leaders in a roundtable to highlight Sorensen’s work to support union jobs and American workers in Congress. 

"In America's heartland, we know that union workers are the backbone of our economy and are essential for supporting a strong middle class,” said Sorensen. “To ensure our region is sustainable for generations to come, we need organized labor to continue supporting Illinois families with good-paying jobs, a well-trained workforce, and strong local infrastructure. That’s also why advancing pro-worker initiatives in Congress like the PRO Act is more critical now than ever.” 

“Since taking office, Eric Sorensen has been a key supporter for organized labor,” remarked Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea. “Sorensen is a vocal advocate to pass the PRO Act and understands what communities in Northwest Illinois need to thrive. I look forward to our continued work to revitalize our infrastructure, ensure quality public services and provide working Illinoisans with the opportunity to live a middle-class life.” 

During the roundtable, Sorensen and labor leaders discussed Sorensen’s efforts to protect workers’ rights in Congress, including his support of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The PRO Act is the most significant update to workers’ rights in 80 years.  

Sorensen and leaders also discussed Sorensen’s work to get over $4.6 million included in House Appropriations legislation for Peoria-area infrastructure projects and the role local labor can play in carrying out these initiatives. 

Since entering Congress, Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for American workers. This year, Sorensen: 

•    Helped introduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act to push back against anti-worker laws and protect workers’ right to organize. 

•    Helped introduce the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act to prohibit an employer from terminating an employee's health insurance coverage during a lockout. 

•    Cosponsored the Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act to recognize the undeniable connection between cancer and firefighters’ chronic occupational exposures to carcinogens. 

Original source can be found here.