Topeka ? More than 100 people braved chilly weather Wednesday outside the Capitol to rally for social service spending, and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued an executive order that she said would help protect vulnerable Kansans.

The Big Tent Coalition, representing 85 organizations, held its fourth annual gathering to advocate initiatives for senior citizens, people with disabilities and the working poor.

No. 1 on the coalition’s agenda was calling for legislative support of a budget amendment by Sebelius that would increase funding for child care assistance by $2.8 million.

“When we recognize mothers on cash assistance that need to be in training or working, it seems heartless not to provide the funds to assure the mothers that their children be taken care of,” the coalition said in a statement.

In another move, Sebelius announced an executive order forming the Kansas Interagency Council on Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation.

She said the group would try to find weaknesses in current safeguards for vulnerable Kansans and recommend steps to strengthen the state’s protection of these residents.

“Kansans with disabilities, particularly those living in group care homes, deserve a special level of protection,” she said.

Last week, Sebelius proposed adding an abuse, neglect and exploitation unit to the attorney general’s office. The Legislature is considering the proposal.