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CPS Parents Protest Possible Cuts, Call For More State Funding

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Public Schools parents rallied in the Loop on Wednesday, venting their frustration with warnings about severe budget cuts for next year.

Parents were protesting recent reports CPS plans to cut 25 to 30 percent of the district's budget if state lawmakers do not come through with more funding for the district.

Protesters said schools have suffered through years of massive cuts, and more is just too much.

CPS parents gathered at the Thompson Center on Wednesday, and marched four blocks to the Chicago Board of Education, where they held a mock "bake sale" in protest of the possible budget cuts for next year.

They wanted to show traditional methods of helping schools fill the gaps – like holding bake sales – just won't work anymore, and it's time for a comprehensive state budget to be put in place to provide stable funding.

"We need real solutions, not half-baked solutions. We need everyone to step up; the city, the state, and CPS. There's things that everybody can do," said Cassie Creswell, a board member with the parent group Raise Your Hand.

Parents said politicians need to put kids first.

"We as a state are not taking responsibility for our past, and for our children, for our future; and if we don't deal with it soon … basically it's just sort of like let it all fall apart. It's unacceptable, and that's why we're here," Andrew Kaplan said.

Supporters said they plan to protest and rally throughout the summer until a sufficient budget is put in place, and additional state funding is approved.

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