PEORIA HEIGHTS (25News Now) -A coalition of parents and service providers rallied in Peoria Heights on Friday to advocate for more funding to aid young children with developmental delays.

The group is asking state lawmakers for a $40 million funding increase for early intervention programs.

Krista Riber’s 18-month-old son, Ezra, was born with Majeed Syndrome, which is a rare inflammatory bone condition and a visual impairment.

He’s had occupational and physical therapy but has been on a one-year waiting list for two other therapy services.

“It’s even more helpless of a feeling when you know there’s a system that exists for these kids and it’s there to help them to help you, to give them the tools that they need to be set up for success. You just can’t access it because there’s a waitlist,” said Riber who’s a mother of three and was a guest speaker at Friday’s rally.

The $40 million would go towards reducing service delays.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget includes a $6 million increase for the early intervention program.

The three organizations hosting Friday’s rally were Raising Illinois, EI (Early Intervention) Grassroots Alliance, and the Early Childhood Forum of Central Illinois.

They are supporting passage of HB5782 and SB3914 that would boost funding for early intervention programs.

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