SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois' largest employee union Wednesday tried to put pressure on Democrats to vote for a health care reform plan in Congress.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees singled out U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello of Belleville and other Illinois Democrats. On Wednesday, Democrat U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson of Crete announced she would support the plan.

The plan AFSCME supports includes a so-called "public option" for health insurance that would compete with private carriers. A vote could come as early as Saturday.

"Everyone knows it's time to fix the system," said Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31.

In announcing she supported it, Halvorson said the health care plan up for debate could lower medical costs.

"We owe it to our families and our neighbors to provide the peace of mind and stability that will come from passing this legislation, and I look forward to supporting it," Halvorson said in a statement.

AFSCME targeted Democrats for votes because Republicans have mostly rejected Democratic proposals for health care reform. U.S. Rep. John Shimkus, R-Collinsville, wanted to give his constituents a chance to read the proposal, even if it is nearly 2,000 pages long.

Shimkus said he'll have it in his Harrisburg, Collinsville and Springfield offices for viewing.

"Many people do not have Internet access at home or would be uncomfortable using a computer at a library," Shimkus said.