Foster Announces State of the Union Guest

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that Matt Frantzen, President of UAW Local 1268 in Belvidere, will be his guest for this year’s State of the Union Address. 

“I’m proud to have Matt Frantzen as my guest for President Biden’s State of the Union Address,” said Congressman Foster. “Matt’s leadership of UAW Local 1268 over the past year was crucial to our efforts to save the Belvidere Assembly Plant, as was the solidarity of UAW members in Belvidere and across the Midwest. The Assembly Plant has been the beating heart of the Belvidere community for decades, providing good jobs and serving as an economic engine for the entire region. I’m proud that we were able to work together – all levels of government, the UAW, and Stellantis – to forge a deal that won’t just allow workers to get back on the job at the Assembly Plant, but will also bring billions of dollars in new investments to Belvidere.” 

“I’m honored to join Congressman Foster at this year’s State of the Union Address. After Stellantis idled the Assembly Plant last February, Bill was one of the first to call asking how he could help. From getting the White House involved to securing federal incentives, he played a vital role in ensuring the plant reopened and workers could return to Belvidere," said Matt Frantzen. “Thanks to the tenacity of UAW leadership and workers across the country, last year was a historic year for labor. I look forward to hearing President Biden’s plan to build on that momentum to strengthen unions and build an economy where workers get the pay, benefits, and job security they deserve."

Matt Frantzen joined President Biden on stage during his visit to Belvidere on November 9, 2024 – the first presidential visit to the area in decades. 

The State of the Union Address is on March 7, 2024. 

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