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More Than 100 Protest State Budget Stalemate Outside Thompson Center

(CBS) -- More than 100 people, led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, marched Saturday outside the Thompson Center downtown, demanding an end to the state budget impasse.

Many of those who marched were state employees, including DCFS worker Stephen Mittons, who said the neediest and most vulnerable are being put in the middle.

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He said the cutbacks leave him and many other state employees "in flux," and those they serve unable to access basic services.

Rev. Jackson wants to mediate the budget talks. He said he has spoken with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Senate President John Cullerton and said both sides have sent him copies of proposals.

But Jackson said what he wants is a marathon negotiating session in which all come to the table and stay until agreement is reached.

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