CHICAGO (WLS) — Demonstrators rallied in Chicago and across Illinois Saturday as part of a nationwide day of action.
They organized nationwide protests against the federal reductions in healthcare and other services imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration.
In Illinois, people also gathered in Rockford, Champaign and Carbondale.
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Marching through the streets of West Loop, hundreds unified in their opposition to cuts by the Trump administration. The group started at Union Park.
“We know that when we standing united we can overcome any challenge that we face,” Illinois 5th District State Senator Lakesia Collins said.
Toni Frazier, a family child care specialist and grandmother, stated that the cuts to services for her granddaughter and other children with autism have had negative effects.
“I’ve seen the growth in her and those who are being pushed back and can’t get the services they need, it’s sad,” Frazier said.
Paula Hickman works full time as a teacher, but she said benefits to help her and her kids make ends meet have been reduced and slow to come.
“It’s overwhelming. I feel defeated,” Hickman said. “It’s hard for me to look my kids in the face and say, ‘Mommy doesn’t have it this month.'”
The Trump administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency pledged to streamline government operations and reduce taxpayer expenses. Critics argue that these cuts have been made without thoroughly evaluating their impact on Americans.
Many who attended Saturday’s protest are members of SEIU.
“These reckless actions hurt us so much, and they take away years of hard, hard work that our members do,” SEIU Local 73 president Dian Palmer said.
The march ended in Fulton Market, where organizers said some executives who benefit from the DOGE cuts have offices.
“Healthcare is a right, and it’s tied to every part of our lives,” said solidarity Cate Readling with The People’s Lobby. “Means we must provide, continue to uphold protections for our people.”
Organizers and participants hope their voices, and other across Illinois and the country, are heard in Washington, D.C.
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