DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Longtime union member and Democratic supporter, Jim Taylor received the 2025 Penny Severns Integrity Award at the memorial reception on October 1st at Richland Community College in Decatur.
The award, named after the late State Senator Penny Severns, recognizes individuals who exemplify dedication, honesty, and integrity.
Taylor, a retired member of United Auto Workers Local 751, has been active in various community projects, including the Workers Memorial monument and the naming of local parks and roads. He received accolades for his lifetime of service, including being named Decatur’s Citizen of the Year in 2023.
The event featured keynote speaker Linda Hawker and honored several speakers, including Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and State Senator Doris Turner.
Also recognized posthumously was Howard Buoy, who co-founded the reception and received the Legacy Award for his commitment to the Democratic Party.
Donations for breast cancer awareness were collected to be presented in Penny Severns’ name.
Severns, a trailblazer in Illinois politics, served in various capacities including the State Senate and was a fierce advocate for working families. Her legacy is honored annually with the Penny Severns Integrity Award.
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