Groups Push for Added Funds in NYS Budget

ALBANY -- Education groups want more school aid. Local governments want money for local roads. Lawmakers want to pare back cuts to health services.As the Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo head into the final weeks of budget talks, the lobbying effort at the Capitol on Wednesday was in full swing. The budget is due by March 31, and lawmakers are expected to reach a deal before their spring break, which starts March 21.The budget season means a variety of groups are making a final push to make changes to Cuomo’s proposed $136 billion spending plan for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Usually, it means seeking more money for their interests.“Today, we’re here to stand together and speak with one voice, to say that we cannot allow the balancing of the budget to be on the backs of those with disabilities,” said Sen. David Carlucci, D-Clarkstown, Rockland County, at a noon news conference.