A crowd of 250 Kansas residents gathered at the Statehouse to protest Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and his administration’s policies.

During the hour-long rally Friday, protesters spoke against cuts in state programs, including reduced spending for public schools and the closing of some regional social services offices.

The event was organized by a new group called Kansans United in Voice and Spirit. Protesters came from across Kansas, including Lawrence, Wichita, Salina and Winfield.

Protesters said the governor’s decisions are hurting senior citizens, the disabled and children by cutting spending while promising job creation.

A Republican Party official watching the event said the kinds of changes Brownback is making to state government are difficult, but that the governor enjoys support statewide for his agenda.