Stranded By The State

Directed by Liz Kaar

Stranded By The State is an eight-part web series that examines the impact of the Illinois budget crisis on average workers and social service users, by telling stories in their own voices.

Mainstream media covers the Illinois state budget crisis regularly, but often times the tangible impact on those relying on the state, either for work or for social services, becomes subsumed by the political coverage. Each episode will focus attention to where it belongs—on the people. They will share how their life was before, and how it changed after the cuts. Each episode gives viewers a glimpse into their lives. The resulting personal stories– their struggles, their hopes, and their humor–help connect the viewer to the larger social issue at play.

Stranded by the State has been expanded into a two-part television special, which will air on stations throughout Illinois. Check out the schedule below for upcoming times and channels.