Approximately 200 people from all around Connecticut attended the "People Behind the Numbers" rally.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams (D-29th) and Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judith Stein attended the rally and spoke before Sen. Williams addressed the crowd.

Dozens of signs calling for the preservation of vital state services dotted the south lawn of the Capitol.

A sign stresses that cuts to vital services affect everyone.

Commission on Aging Executive Director Julia Evans Starr addressed more than 200 people attending the "People Behind the Numbers" rally June 23 on the south lawn of the State Capitol. Evans Starr served as moderator of the event which was organized by AARP in partnership with the CoA and 30 non-profit and social services agencies. "We're here today to tell the legislature and the governor not to turn their backs on those who most need our help," she said. The organizations urged legislators and Gov. M. Jodi Rell to preserve vital services that help older adults, low-income women and children, people with disabilities and others maintain their health and live independently.

Kiki Dixon, of Vernon, spoke to the crowd stressing the importance of vital services to persons with disabilities.

Bernard Fulcher, of New Haven, calls on the legislature and governor to protect services that help people with disabilities, older adults and others remain healthy and independent.

While acknowledging the state's difficult budget situation, Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-84th), tells the crowd that the state has a responsibility to provide services that help people live healthy and independent lives.

Senate Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams (D- 29th) pledges his support to the programs that serve tens of thousands of Connecticut's most vulnerable residents.

CoA Executive Director Julia Evans Starr noted that proposed budget cuts would leave a gaping hole in Connecticut's social safety net and do irreparable harm to thousands of the state's most vulnerable residents during one of the worst recessions in history.