, imploring Gov. Eliot Spitzer to restore funding he cut to Long Island schools in his proposed 2008-09 budget.
The rally was organized by Long Island's Senate majority delegation, and spearheaded by Deputy Majority Leader Dean Skelos, a Republican from Rockville Centre. "We want our fair share," many charged as they held up sign that read, "Underfunded - overtaxed."
The governor eventually restored much of what he cut. The budget battle continues to this day, however. Later in the year, Spitzer's replacement, Gov. David Paterson, said he was seeking midyear cuts to education aid. Weeks later, facing stiff opposition from Long Island legislators, Paterson said he would drop the proposal. In his proposal for the 2009-10 budget, though, he is again seeking cuts to education funding.
