State legislators voice concerns over disability rights

Intro:	A rally at the capitol led by hundreds of people with disabilities and their advocates sparked Missouri legislators to speak out on civil rights.
RunTime:	0:47
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Rally goers at the state capitol could be heard chanting for hours hoping to make legislators aware people with disabilities have a voice in public policy.

The hundreds of attendees met with legislators to declare they are people first and want to be included in the community.

Democratic Senator Jolie Justus spoke to the crowd about her stance on disability rights.

Actuality:	JUSTUSD1.WAV
Run Time:	00:17
Description: "We're going to be fighting on issues relating to funding, we're going to be fighting on issues relating to discrimination, to bullying. We're going to be fighting for issues related to independent living. And we're going to make sure that everybody in this state has the right to vote and that their vote is counted."

But Justus admitted disability rights funding would be tough to increase due to budget shortfall.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo.

Intro:	A rally at Missouri's Capitol led by people with disabilities had one representative talking budget constraints.
RunTime:	0:42
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Republican Representative Zachary Wyatt spoke to hundreds of people with disabilities and advocacy groups about his bill that would help get them the care needed to live within the community rather than in instiutions.

Wyatt told the crowd if his bill is passed it could mean more money for disability rights.

Actuality:	WYATT3.WAV
Run Time:	00:12
Description: "You look at the budget constraints that we have within our state, if that were to pass, that would free up some much needed money and I would say it would be able to fund the blind pension program."

The House recently gave initial approval to the state’s $24 billion operating budget with level funding for higher education but cuts to health care for the blind.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo

Intro:	Missouri Legislators spoke to advocacy groups and hundreds of people with disabilities who rallied at the Capitol Today to show their support, despite the budget shortfall.
RunTime:	0:45
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Rally goers at the state capitol chanted for hours to make legislators aware people with disabilities have a voice in public policy.

Democratic Representative Sara Lampe spoke to the crowd about her bill supporting anti-bullying in schools aimed at students with disabilities.

Lampe told the crowd despite the budget shortfall legislators haven't forgot disability rights.

Actuality:	LEMBKED6.WAV
Run Time:	00:14
Description: "We are out of money and times are tough, but you know what? You still have friends in this Missouri State Capitol. you have friends who think that disability rights are civil rights and we're going to be fighting for you everyday I can promise you that."

Lampe asked the crowd to tell legislators their stories about being bullied to increase support for the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Joe Chiodo.