While the state's budget impasse continues, activists from Chicago are demanding an end to it through a 200 mile march. Today, a group from Fair Economy Illinois set out on a 15 day walk from Chicago to Springfield.
The group plans to engage with residents along the way to hear how the budget impasse has affected their lives. The group's location throughout the march can be found on their website along with the location of their "Listening" events. They hope to bridge the divide between Chicago and downstate city residents and promote the group's People and Planet First Budget Proposal.
Samantha Nichols is one of the marchers. She is a student at the Lutheran School of Theology at the University of Chicago and worries about paying back her student loans and covering her health care costs.