Protestors filled the Illinois capitol yesterday and staged a small sit-in in front of Gov. Bruce Rauner's office. They're trying to pressure Rauner and legislators to come up with money for a program that helps low-income families afford daycare.
Valena Mulonzi works at Steps to the Future daycare in Calumet City. She says lawmakers should listen to parents' pleas.
"Childcare is important because parents can't make a living unless they have someone to watch their kids. And the only way they can do that is if they're in a safe environment, what we call a safe haven, the daycare, where they can get the adequate care they need and know that someone is taking care of their children adequately."
Legislators last year didn't fully fund the program, causing the current shortfall. There’s no agreement on where to come up with the cash.
Protestors say they're upset about more than just the immediate crisis. They're also concerned about cuts the governor has proposed for next year.
