CARBONDALE - Hecklers at a social service workers rally Monday morning drowned out State Rep. Mike Bost as he addressed the crowd crammed under Carbondale's Town Square Pavilion, leading the Murphysboro Republican to abruptly end his speech and walk out early.

Speakers from a handful of social service agencies proceeded Bost often drawing cheers from the crowd as they demanded the state pass a budget, and a tax increase, to fund their services.

Shortly after he took to the microphone, Bost said that, even with a tax increase, cuts will still be needed.

The comment drew shouts from the crowd which Bost and his microphone could not counter.

In protest Bost abruptly ended his talk and left the pavilion. He was followed by a handful of attendees who he spoke with at length about the budget.

"It was amazing how many people followed me out," Bost said. "Perhaps I could have been smoother, but I wasn't going to do any more good there."

Bost was the only Southern Illinois legislator present at the rally.