A number of New Deal groups — including CVH, PUSH, VOCAL-NY, and VOICE — participated in the New York “Capitol Camp-In” on March 30th – 31st, which was led by hundreds of low-income New Yorkers, people living with HIV/AIDS, students, seniors, and other New Yorkers opposed to Governor Cuomo’s austerity budget.
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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.