TUESDAY, NOV.18: While legislative leaders negotiated inside, the Capitol grounds swelled with activists to rally against cuts to education, higher ed, health care and other programs. The protest, which included NYSUT members and other education advocates, was organized by New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness and other NYSUT allies.
Video courtesy Times Union (Albany)
Speaking at the rally, NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi said:
"I stand before you speaking on behalf of labor to make a message on behalf of labor. And that is this can not be a time to look at those who've already suffered as part of this economic crisis. This is not a time to look at the schoolchildren who are suffering, this is not a time to look at the elderly, this is not a time look at those who are serviced by our health care institions and to say to them, 'Give more.' They have given enough.
"It is time to look at the revenue side, it is time to look at the progressive income tax, it is time to look at reserves.
"It is a time for us to say, 'stop and think about the future of the state.'"