Latest news with #Budzinski
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Triple Helix Releases Report: 'Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for the Federal Government'
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Triple Helix Institute for Agriculture, Climate, and Society (Triple Helix), a nonprofit dedicated to building cross-sector awareness and engagement around agriculture technology (AgTech), today released its latest report Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for the Federal Government. The report, presented on Capitol Hill at a briefing supported by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), describes opportunities for federal government action to support AgTech development as a vital component of America's agricultural competitiveness and prosperity. Congresswoman Budzinski stated, 'I'm excited to welcome Triple Helix to Capitol Hill as they lead the charge in advancing AgTech innovation.' Emerging innovations could transform U.S. agricultural productivity and resilience and need to be prioritized now to prepare us for generations to come. Share American dominance in agricultural innovation was historically driven by strong federal investment, in collaboration with research institutions and private sector actors. But decades of declining public sector support threaten U.S. agricultural leadership and national security. Today, both the EU and China significantly outspend the U.S. on agricultural research and development. With compounding challenges such as pests and diseases, extreme weather, and volatile supply chains, efforts to increase American agricultural resilience are critical. Emerging innovations could transform U.S. agricultural productivity and resilience and need to be prioritized now to prepare us for generations to come. Triple Helix's report is the culmination of an initiative to identify key inflection points in the U.S. AgTech pipeline where strategic federal support could drive growth. Through roundtable discussions held in New York, Illinois, California, and North Carolina, the organization gathered perspectives from academic researchers, startup founders, investors, commodity group representatives, farmers, and agribusiness leaders, among others. Stakeholders emphasized the federal government's crucial role across the U.S. AgTech ecosystem and stressed the need to close public sector support gaps in three key areas: Prioritizing proactive discovery-stage research and data accessibility Facilitating entrepreneurial translation and scale-up Building an efficient AgTech implementation ecosystem 'This report outlines actionable opportunities for the federal government to strengthen the U.S. AgTech innovation ecosystem,' said Dr. Sarah Garland, Founder and Executive Director of Triple Helix. 'Catalyzing the American AgTech sector requires effective collaboration across research, investment, and policy. Reestablishing and optimizing federal government leadership in this space is crucial.' 'I represent some of the best agricultural research institutions in Central and Southern Illinois and I've consistently fought for increased federal investment in the groundbreaking work our scientists do every day. Their research is essential to strengthening American agriculture, lowering food costs, improving nutrition, and supporting the farmers who power our economy. As Triple Helix highlights, staying at the top of agricultural technology is key to maintaining our global leadership in this vital sector," added Congresswoman Budzinski. To access the full report, please visit: About Triple Helix Triple Helix Institute for Agriculture, Climate, and Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building cross-sector awareness and engagement around agriculture technology (AgTech). Led by scientists and rooted in evidence, Triple Helix presents an interdisciplinary and nuanced voice that is crucial for creating a more resilient future of agriculture. In a space often fraught with polarization and factions, Triple Helix emphasizes unity behind common goals and commitment to shared values. Triple Helix recently produced reports targeted at policymakers and investors on the topics AgTech for Biodiversity Conservation and AgTech for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. These reports succinctly connect the dots between ambitious agricultural goals and various food and agriculture technologies that can help achieve them.
Chicago Tribune
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Three Illinois politicians say their names were listed in alleged Minnesota shooter's notes
Two Democratic members of the state's congressional delegation and a north suburban state senator running for Congress were the first Illinois elected officials to publicly acknowledge being named in notes kept by the 57-year-old alleged shooter charged with assassinating the Democratic leader of the Minnesota House and her husband. U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine, all issued statements Tuesday acknowledging their names were found among Vance Boelter's materials that were recovered by law enforcement. Boelter faces federal and state charges in Saturday's shootings in Minnesota that killed state House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and injured Democratic Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Budzinski, of Springfield, said her name was listed in what federal authorities described as 'voluminous writings' found in the vehicle and home of Boelter. And Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, who is running for U.S. Senate, said in a statement that he had 'been informed that my name was included in the notes of the Minnesota suspect accused of assassinating an elected official, murdering her husband, and targeting others.' While Illinois authorities have not publicly identified any of the elected officials named, Fine, of Glenview, also acknowledged in a separate statement that her name appeared on one of Boelter's lists. Budzinski, a two-term Springfield Democrat, wrote in a social media post, 'On Sunday, I was informed by Capitol Police that my name was included in the Minnesota murder suspect's note.' Extending condolences to the victims' families 'and the entire Minnesota community,' Budzinski wrote: 'As I've said before, there is absolutely no place in this country for political violence. We must be a nation that values civility and mutual respect — always.' Budzinski declined to comment beyond the contents of the post. Calling the attack 'devastating and terrifying on many levels,' Krishnamoorthi, who is running in next year's Democratic primary to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, said in his statement: 'Political violence has no place in America — full stop. Even in this time of great division, we should all agree on that.' A spokesperson for U.S. Capitol Police said the agency could not confirm the names of any potential victims. 'We have been working around the clock with our Congressional, federal, state and local partners to ensure that the members of Congress impacted by this terrible event have a strong security plan,' the agency said in a statement. 'We continue to closely coordinate with the House and Senate sergeant at arms to enhance security for members of Congress.' While declining to provide specifics, the agency said it would 'focus on continuing intelligence sharing with our partners and providing proactive enhancements' to security. Budzinski's post came a day after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said his name was not among those of Midwest officials listed in Boelter's notes and assured reporters at an unrelated news conference that 'there is not a hit list that has Illinois politicians on it,' though he said there were 'Illinois folks' whose names were listed in materials tied to Boelter that authorities recovered. Illinois State Police said Monday that the agency was 'communicating with individuals in Illinois whose names were on one of the lists found among' Boelter's possessions. The agency declined to provide any additional information on Tuesday. But in a statement to the Tribune, Fine, a longtime state legislator from Glenview, acknowledged she was among those named. 'I am very grateful to the Glenview Police Department and the Illinois State Police for their efforts in keeping me and my family safe,' said Fine, who is running in next year's Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District seat. 'We cannot let political violence become normal in our country.' Although authorities have not detailed Boelter's alleged motives, The Associated Press has reported, based on unnamed law enforcement sources, that his writings also included the names of abortion rights advocates and health care facilities. 'I am proud of my leadership guaranteeing reproductive rights for all women in Illinois,' Fine said in her statement. 'Now more than ever, we need leaders who will always stand up for our values.' In federal court records unsealed Monday, authorities said they recovered from the SUV that Boelter left at Hortman's home 'several notebooks full of hand-written notes' that listed 'the names of more than 45 Minnesota state and federal public officials,' including Hortman. The Minnesota officials listed were 'mostly or all Democrats,' according to court records. Authorities found more notebooks at Boelter's home, and officials said at a news conference Monday that those documents also included the names of public officials from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and other states. Among those who've also acknowledged being listed in the writings are Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, AP reported.
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Two female Illinois politicians say their names were listed in the alleged Minnesota shooter's notes
A downstate congresswoman and a north suburban state senator are the first Illinois elected officials to publicly acknowledge being named in notes kept by the 57-year-old alleged shooter charged with assassinating the Democratic leader of the Minnesota House and her husband. U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski on Tuesday said she was listed in what federal authorities described as 'voluminous writings' found in the vehicle and home of Vance Boelter. Boelter faces federal and state charges in Saturday's shootings that killed state House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark and injured Democratic Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. While Illinois authorities have not publicly named any of the state officials who were named, state Sen. Laura Fine also acknowledged in a statement Tuesday that her name was among those that appeared on one of Boelter's lists. Budzinski, a two-term Springfield Democrat, wrote in a social media post, 'On Sunday, I was informed by Capitol Police that my name was included in the Minnesota murder suspect's note.' Extending condolences to the victims' families 'and the entire Minnesota community,' Budzinski wrote: 'As I've said before, there is absolutely no place in this country for political violence. We must be a nation that values civility and mutual respect — always.' Budzinski declined to comment beyond the contents of the post. A spokesperson for U.S. Capitol Police said the agency could not confirm the names of any potential victims. 'We have been working around the clock with our Congressional, federal, state and local partners to ensure that the members of Congress impacted by this terrible event have a strong security plan,' the agency said in a statement. 'We continue to closely coordinate with the House and Senate sergeant at arms to enhance security for members of Congress.' While declining to provide specifics, the agency said it would 'focus on continuing intelligence sharing with our partners and providing proactive enhancements' to security. Budzinski's post came a day after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said his name was not among those of Midwest officials listed in Boelter's notes and assured reporters at an unrelated news conference that 'there is not a hit list that has Illinois politicians on it,' though he said there were 'Illinois folks' whose names were listed in materials tied to Boelter that authorities recovered. Illinois State Police said Monday that the agency was 'communicating with individuals in Illinois whose names were on one of the lists found among' Boelter's possessions. The agency declined to provide any additional information Tuesday. But in a statement to the Tribune, Fine, a longtime state legislator from Glenview, acknowledged she was among those named. 'I am very grateful to the Glenview Police Department and the Illinois State Police for their efforts in keeping me and my family safe,' said Fine, who is running in next year's Democratic primary for Illinois' 9th Congressional District seat. 'We cannot let political violence become normal in our country.' While authorities have not detailed Boelter's alleged motives, The Associated Press has reported, based on unnamed law enforcement sources, that his writings also included the names of abortion rights advocates and health care facilities. 'I am proud of my leadership guaranteeing reproductive rights for all women in Illinois,' Fine said in her statement. 'Now more than ever, we need leaders who will always stand up for our values.' In federal court records unsealed Monday, authorities said they recovered from the SUV that Boelter left at Hortman's home 'several notebooks full of hand-written notes' that listed 'the names of more than 45 Minnesota state and federal public officials,' including Hortman. The Minnesota officials listed were 'mostly or all Democrats,' according to court records. Authorities found more notebooks at Boelter's home, and officials said at a news conference Monday that those documents also included the names of public officials from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and other states. Among those who've also acknowledged being listed in the writings are Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, AP reported.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kansas City Fire Department commends bystanders who saved two people's lives
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Fire Department said its crew recently got a big assist from a couple of Good Samaritans who helped save not one, but two lives. FOX4 spoke with two people who jumped into action when one of their customers went into cardiac arrest. WATCH: Second car in 3 months crashes into roof of Excelsior Springs Veterans Hall Nine years as a server at Kate's Kitchen and this was a first: Chloe Rueter helped save a life. She said the customer collapsed right in front of her. Rueter said she called 911 immediately. 'He's one of our regulars that have been coming in here for a very long time,' Rueter said. 'It was very scary.' Server Molly Budzinski said they couldn't find a pulse. That's when she and another customer, a nurse, started hands only CPR. 'There for a moment, you're literally someone's heartbeat and that is a lot to come to terms with and understand,' Budzinski said. 'But I would do it again in a heartbeat because it is someone's life – no matter how scared you are in that moment.' The KCFD said a dispatcher helped the Kate's Kitchen crew stay calm, while Rueter stayed on the line until emergency crews got to the restaurant. 'They responded within minutes, but those minutes felt like forever when you're trying to save a life,' Rueter said. That afternoon, at the Hy-Vee off Barry Road, another person went into cardiac arrest. Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said employees jumped into action and began performing CPR. They also applied an AED. 'It's crucial; it's not like it is in the movies,' Hopkins said. 'Your chance of survival outside of a hospital is less than 10%—it's closer to 5%. That increases with fast CPR starting and AED application. 'The sooner you can start CPR and AED, the better.' He said the people who took action helped emergency responders save those people's lives. 'I'm not sure the names of the individuals who jumped in yesterday, but the families of these patients owe them a big hug,' Hopkins said. Rueter said she took CPR classes in high school, and Budzinski said she's CPR certified. They are encouraging everyone to get trained. 'Get CPR certified, and 911 is your best friend in those moments,' Budzinski said. 'It saved a life. I don't feel like a hero. It was actually one of the scariest 20 minutes of my life, but I'm really grateful he's okay.' Family members of the man who collapsed stopped by the restaurant to say thank you and snap a photo of the staff. 'They took a picture with us and said 'we've got to show him back at the hospital' and 'he's going to love to see you guys,'' Rueter said. 'I would want them to do it for my family members.' Hopkins said both people were conscious and talking when they got to the hospital. They're expected to make full recoveries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Budzinski reacts to SNAP cuts approved by Agriculture Committee
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Cuts could be coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP. The cuts were voted on by the Agriculture Committee in the U.S. House Wednesday evening. The bill will move on to a full vote by the House of Representatives. Over 13% of Central Illinoisans are food insecure: EIF, Feeding America Supporters of the cuts said that SNAP has ballooned in cost. Some changes the legislation would make includes: Requiring states to shoulder a share of the benefit costs beginning in FY2028 Blocks future increases to the cost of Future Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) Increases the work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents from 54 to 64 Ends SNAP-Ed (an educational program that helps people stretch out their SNAP money, cook healthy meals, and lead active lifestyles) Requires that to be eligible for SNAP, an individual must be a U.S. Citizen or green card holder Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) spoke out against the cuts during the budget reconciliation bill in the House Agriculture Committee Tuesday evening. She said the the $313 billion in SNAP cuts would impact families in need, as well as farmers and the food supply chain. 'This will take away food for SNAP households that are home to a child, an old adult or a disabled adult,' Budzinski said. 'And for what? To pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest people in this country.' You can find the full text of the budget resolution here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
