Activists walk a message to legislators to pass responsible state budget for the people

[May 31, 2017]  LINCOLN -  Have you walked from Chicago to Springfield lately?  No, probably not ever. It is about 200 miles. Who would do that and why?

A group wanting to get the attention of our state legislators and gain public support for a responsible state budget did that this week. On Saturday they arrived in Lincoln and were available for those wanting to ask questions or learn more.

Kristi Sanford drove the support van and served as the welcoming spokesperson. She said the group has been together a few years and hopes to affect change in where politicians place their priorities, particularly when it comes to funding.

Sanford said that rather than taking care of their campaign supporters and big corporations, our elected state representatives should "Do what is best for Illinois." Priorities such as school funding, medical and living assistance for elderly, physically and mentally impaired are in serious jeopardy. These are areas where shortages exist now and it is going to get worse for people who are already struggling to make ends meet.

On Tuesday, the walkers were to arrive in Springfield and were expected to be joined by hundreds of people from around the state to march the last half mile at to the Old Capitol Building.

Their message to legislators is to "pass a budget that requires corporations and the rich to pay their fair share so that Illinois can invest in people and communities around the state."

The March to Springfield was organized by Fair Economy Illinois and co-sponsored by the Grassroots Collaborative and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Activists walking from Chicago to Springfield arrived in Lincoln about noon on Saturday. Here they are walking south on Kickapoo Street headed downtown for a lunch break and to visit with interested residents at 1 p.m.

A lunch stop in beautiful Scully Park with 13 days down and three to go, these folks are serious in getting a message to our legislators to pass a state budget, one that serves the people of Illinois "for the common good."

Support van
 

The group continued their walk on Saturday afternoon with Broadwell being their next stop where they would stay for the night. A Tuesday morning rally was planned at 10:30 a.m. at the Old State Capitol.

[Jan Youngquist]