A rally was held in Youngstown Friday evening by Network Lobby calling on local representatives to protect social programs as debt ceiling talks continue.

Organizers met at St. Patrick's Church on Oak Hill Avenue to urge locals to call their representatives to keep funding for programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid and others.

A local organizer with Network says the group wants lawmakers to tax wealthy corporations instead of the poor.

"One of the most important things you can do is call your representative and tell them to protect the common good. Protect the social safety net projects for those living in poverty," Sister Eilis McCulloh.

McCulloh says any cuts to social programs would greatly affect the Youngstown-Warren area as many people rely on the assistance programs.