Indivisible Mohawk Valley and Central NY Citizen Action are putting a spotlight on two state budget issues everyone is concerned about: the influence of big money in elections and the adequate funding of public schools. On Friday, March 15, 2019, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the State Office Building in Utica, activists and speakers will rally for legislative budget action on both concerns.

We are urging action on:

•The inclusion of small donor (matching funds) public financing of elections. The governor, Assembly and Senate are all on the record saying they support public financing of elections in this year’s budget, but they have yet to make good on their pledge.

• Passage of a $1.2 billion increase in foundation aid for our schools. This would put the state on track for a four-year phase-in of all money owed the numerous under-funded districts in our region. The 119th Assembly District is owed $58 million of that, with Utica schools alone owed $47 million.

Expected speakers at the rally will be Keith Rubino, who ran for the 118th Assembly seat last year; Cam Tien, a teacher from Rome and candidate for Rome City Council; and Evon Ervin, a member of the Utica School Board and a candidate for county legislator.

By martha

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