Nearly 200 seniors, children, health care workers, child care providers, students and community advocates rallied outside the district offices of State Representatives John Fritchey, Deb Mell, John D’Amico and Joseph Lyons Wednesday to call on the Northwest Side representatives to reverse their votes against an increase in the state’s income tax.

Protesters spoke out about what’s at stake for them and their families if the doomsday budget cuts passed by the House aren’t stopped:
“What do Representatives Fritchey, Mell, D’Amico and Lyons think that seniors and people with disabilities are going to do when they’re forced out of their homes because they voted to eliminate the home care they depend on?” asked Juanita Hayes, a home care worker and member of SEIU Healthcare Illinois from Chicago. “Today is about showing our elected officials that unless they tell their leader that they’re ready to change their vote and pass the income tax increase we need, the lives of seniors, children and working families in their districts and throughout the state will be devastated.”

“Where is the state going to find highly qualified bilingual education teachers if it backs out on its investment in the Grow Your Own Teachers program?” asked Ofelia Sanchez, a Grow Your Own teacher candidate with Logan Square Neighborhood Association. “Don’t force 500 of us to drop out of school, and don’t take away good teachers from the kids who need them the most.”

“Representative Mell failed Illinois children by voting against the revenue needed to protect child care and other essential programs families depend on,” said Maria Velazquez, a child care provider and member of SEIU Healthcare Illinois from Chicago. “She needs to come to her senses and act quickly to stop the cuts that will leave tens of thousands of working parents without the child care assistance they need to provide for their families and keep their kids safe.”

“Without a citizenship course, I will not be able to prepare for the citizenship test that I need to take and pass in order to become US citizen,” said Domingo Patino, a leader with the Albany Park Neighborhood Council in Representative D’Amico’s district, and a legal, permanent resident who is getting ready to apply for US citizenship. “I am taking part in this action to call on Representative D’Amico to fully fund these essential services for immigrant communities across the state and especially in his own district.”

Courtesy of FOX Chicago and WGN News:

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