State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit meets with supporters of Early Intervention (EI) at the Capitol in Springfield today. Kifowit supported legislation Thursday to restore nearly $20 million in EI funding. (Photo courtesy State Rep. Kifowit Office)

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, rallied with hundreds of parents Sept. 24 in the state Capitol before voting to reverse proposed funding cuts to Early Intervention.

“As a mother, it pains me to see the fear and worry in the eyes of so many fellow parents who don’t know whether the programs their children rely on will continue being available,” Kifowit said. “These programs are necessary and help provide disabled children the best shot at a happy life.”

Kifowit supported legislation to restore $20 million in funding cuts proposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner to Early Intervention programs.

Nearly 20,000 children receive these services ranging from developmental evaluations and assessments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and developmental therapy.

“Early intervention programs give kids with special needs or learning delays the help they need to make gains in their early years that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Kifowit said. “I will continue fighting to protect Early Intervention programs and to support the families in my district who dearly need these services.”

–Kifowit attends rally in support of Early Intervention funds–