Gov. Pritzker touts union projects and labor laws at East Moline picnic

EAST MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) - Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was in the Quad Cities Monday at the annual Rock Island County Democrats’ Salute to Labor picnic.

Pritzker drew attention to some of the projects that have been completed in the area and highlighted the unions that worked on them.

“We rebuilt the I-74 bridge, a stunning landmark and a stunning reminder of organized labor’s greatness. We broke ground on the John Deere Road interchange which created good paying union jobs,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker also talked about new Illinois laws that have recently gone into effect, like an increase to the minimum wage and guaranteed, universal paid leave for workers.

40th annual picnic

This year marks the 40th year Rock Island County Democrats have held the picnic, which mixes food, politics and unionized labor.

The event was held at Mid America Carpenters Union Hall and ran until 4 p.m.

Duckworth visits Rock Island

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth was also in the Quad Cities. She attended a roundtable discussion on affordability Monday morning at Project NOW in Rock Island.