A coalition of youth service organizations says the situation is devastating to youth programs. Organizers used a coffin to illustrate that children are at risk if programs are cut. Rev. Michael Pfleger, Pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church joined the rally and issued a challenge to lawmakers in Springfield.
"Every politician in Springfield, every legislator in Springfield, every government official ought to stop getting paid. Turn in your paycheck until you work out a budget and you care for the poor of this state and the chirp of this state. You cannot continue to turn your backs on our children," Pfleger said.
Pfleger and the organizations are calling on the legislature to pass the income tax increase to fund social service programs.
