Hundreds pack Kentucky capitol for disabilities rally

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Hundreds pack Kentucky capitol for disabilities rally

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Hundreds of people have packed the Capitol rotunda for an annual rally to focus attention on the needs of Kentuckians with disabilities.

The event, which spans much of Tuesday, included remarks from Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who encouraged the attendees to "let your voices be heard."

Beshear told the crowd he's helped protect funding for mental and behavioral health programs in the face of continued budget cuts and reduced socials workers' caseloads among other efforts to help Kentuckians with disabilities.

The rally was sponsored by the United 874K Coalition, which is composed of organizations representing individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates and providers. The group of several hundred attendees also planned to meet with their local lawmakers during the event.

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