Disability rights advocates planned to rally Monday afternoon outside state Rep. Ken Dunkin's (D-Chicago) South Side office to demand "accountability and commitment to community supports and in-home services."
Members of the grassroots disability rights group Chicago ADAPT are calling on Dunkin, in part, to support HB 4351. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), is aimed at preventing the governor from making eligibility requirements tougher for home services programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
Chicago ADAPT members also oppose cuts to the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and want "fully funded services protected by progressive revenue" as well as a "fair contract for public employees," the group said in an announcement.
The organization is seeking a March 16 meeting with Dunkin, if he makes it through the primary election, "to continue a dialogue about these and other pressing matters in the disability community."
Dunkin has come under fire from Democrats and social service advocates for failing to vote for legislation last year that would have rolled back funding cuts Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner made to the CCAP and senior services.
Dunkin, who represents Illinois' 5th legislative district, is being challenged by opponent Juliana Stratton in the March 15 primary election.