SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Eight health care workers blocking access to the Illinois House have been removed by Capitol police officers.

The home- and child-care workers are represented by the health care division of the Service Employees International Union. They sat down Tuesday at the House chamber’s front door to convince lawmakers to vote for an income tax increase to end the budget crisis.

The protesters left willingly when approached by police officers, who escorted them to a basement room of the Capitol. Henry Haupt is spokesman for the secretary of state. He says the group was detained but has been released without charge.

SEIU Healthcare president Keith Kelleher says lawmakers need to prevent service cuts to seniors, child care and nursing homes.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS

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