Back Home from Capitol Camp-In Against the Cuomo's Cuts

VOCAL-NY is back from the Capitol Camp-In on March 30th – 31st, which was led by hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS, students, seniors, and other New Yorkers opposed to Governor Cuomo’s austerity budget.The Senate and Assembly approved a fiscal year 2012 budget in the middle of the night that will pay for billions in tax cuts for the wealthiest New Yorkers by cutting funding for healthcare, education, and anti-poverty programs, including a promised increase for public assistance recipients and supportive housing. It also failed to include stronger rent laws.

Legislators spoke with us throughout the day to express their disappointment in the budget, and Senator Eric Adams camped out with us overnight. Openly HIV-positive and 30% rent cap bill sponsor Senator Tom Duane joined us at one point to explain why he was voting against the budget and reiterate his support for the millionaire’s tax and stronger rent laws.

As promised, we sought to remain in the Capitol overnight to bear witness to the harmful cuts to our communities, but were forced to sleep on the floor of meeting rooms in the Empire State Plaza once the session ended.

VOCAL-NY participated in the action with Alliance for Quality Education, Citizen Action of New York, New York City Coalition for Educational Justice, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Make the Road New York, New York Communities for Change, Right to the City New York, Real Rent Reform New York, Community Voices Heard, New Deal for New York, The Save Our SUNY Coalition, Strong Economy for All, Growing Together New York Coalition, and VOICE Buffalo.