State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) views Governor Rauner's cuts as a direct attack on the working poor. This Sunday, elected officials from the 14th Senate District will hold a rally to fight for programs and services our community values. Several organizations that serve communities who will suffer the most will discuss how the lack of support increases crime, lowers our students' opportunities to be qualified for good jobs and will leave people without heat during Chicago's coldest months.

Below are details about the rally:

Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Kroc Center Chicago located at 1250 W 119th Street

Date: Sunday, July 12

Who: Senator Emil Jones III, Representative's Monique Davis and Robert Rita, Alderman Carrie Austin, Anthony Beale, Derrick Curtis,

Howard Brookins Jr. Commissioner Deborah Sims, The Baptist Ministers Conference, Kids off the Block, SEIU Healthcare, CAPS Inc.

What: A rally to fight Governor Rauner's attack on working families

Click the image above to see the video

Springfield – A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago Crime Lab revealed that an initiative pushed by members of the Senate Black Caucus resulted in lower violent crime arrest during summer months. The initiative is called the Youth Employment Program, and it provided jobs for thousands of at-risk youth during the summer months.

Participants held a variety of jobs, ranging from camp counselors to administrative aides. A majority of the participants were from neighborhoods where unemployment rates are over 19 percent.

"Providing our youth with alternatives to being in the streets is necessary to ensure the next generation has the chance to thrive," said Senator Emil Jones III, Chairman of the Senate Black Caucus. "Moving into the next General Assembly, I hope Governor Rauner will take note and make funding for the program a priority.