EXCERPT FROM: CBS 2
By Suzanne Le Mignot
CICERO, Ill. (CBS) ― Through a Child's Eyes preschool is going to shut down after the state cut its funding, but parents and teachers are not giving up without a fight.
What they need to keep it open is hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports, Illinois State Comptroller Dan Hynes says this school isn't alone.
A Hynes spokesperson says the office is holding $4.5 billion in bills that can't be paid because revenues are down and there's a recession.
Meantime, a spokesperson for Gov. Pat Quinn says the governor hopes the comptroller will rethink the $500 million short-term borrowing that's needed to pay the state's bills. The Quinn representative said there's a human cost to saying no. He says this story shows that.
During a rally Saturday, teacher's assistant Martha Gonzalez says she and her colleagues and school parents can make a difference and keep the school open.
Four hundred children between the ages of 3 and 5 attend the preschool. The director says a lack of funds from the state would mean it will close on Dec. 18.
State money provides a free education for children like Carlos, the 4-year-old son of Angelica Barajas.
"So, I'm here actually to fight for my son's education," she said. "The funding is always cut for the ones who need it the most."
Pre-kindergarten student Bianca de la Puente says she wants the school to remain open. She enjoys playing in the school gym.
"It's heartbreaking, because it's one of the only programs that allows the kids with low-income parents to come and learn," her mother, Ana de la Puente, said.
"My understanding is, if the money is approved, then the money's there, so give it up," she added. "Just keep the program open for these kids."
State Rep. Elizabeth Lisa Hernandez said she has reached out to the comptroller's office to see if they would release funds on an emergency basis.