Nearly 50 seniors were ticketed today for blocking traffic in a busy downtown intersection in an act of civil disobedience.

More than 600 seniors and their allies gathered today in Federal Plaza, directly outside the offices of Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk, in opposition of possible cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other social services for the elderly. The demonstration, organized by the Jane Addams Senior Caucus (JASC), was joined by the Occupy Chicago movement, and attracted the presence of several Illinois public officials, including Representatives Jan Schakowsky, who represents Rogers Park,  Danny Davis, and Mike Quigley, as well as Senator Durbin.

At the conclusion of a rally, a group of seniors marched toward the intersection of Jackson Avenue. and Clark Street, gathered in the middle of the street at  to protest the proposed cuts. The participants sat in a circle linking arms, effectively blocking traffic for more than 30 minutes before Chicago police dispersed the occupation and ticketed 47 individuals.

“I’m glad that I made the decision to participate,” said Emily Byrd, leader with the JASC, in a statement. “Civil Disobedience is a tool to alert Americans about what is at stake, senior’s ability to live with dignity and economic security.”

Here’s the full story from the Huffington Post:

Hundreds of senior citizens gathered in Chicago’s Federal Plaza Monday morning to let Congress know how they feel about cutting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. The group ultimately blocked traffic at a downtown intersection — leading to 47 arrests.

Members of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus were joined by other grassroots organizations, including Occupy Chicago, in a rally outside of Sen. Mark Kirk and Sen. Dick Durbin’s office, followed by a march.

“We are fighting for our elders, for our children, and for our future,” Occupy Chicago’s Rachael Perrotta said in a statement. “Their welfare is our priority. We demand our elected leaders, like Durbin, Kirk and ‘Mayor 1%’ Emanuel, choose to serve the people, and protect the programs that ensure our futures.”

Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis appeared at the protest, and were eventually joined by Rep. Mike Quigley and Sen. Durbin himself. The seniors want the federal budget to strengthen social programs for elderly Americans and low-income families as well as funding for housing and urban development programs.

“Many older women, especially older women of color, would suffer the brunt of these cuts,” Mary Burns, leader of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, in a statement, according to NBC Chicago. “Senator Durbin and Senator Kirk need to hear that seniors are the members of the 99% and have something to say about this issue and these programs.”

- Nick Passarelli