They rallied in the Thompson Center Plaza, carrying signs with messages such as "fund community services" and "we do count." Some protesters held pictures of children they say benefit greatly from programs facing cuts. The protest movement is called "A Life Campaign."
"I submit to you today that we must invest, not divest, in human services. We are an asset, not a liability, to the State of Illinois. We have fought for civil rights. We have fought for human rights. We have fought for gay rights. And we're gonna definitely fight for disability rights," said Donald Dew, Habilitative Services President & CEO.
The proposed cuts of $76 million are part of an effort to trim the state's budget deficit.
