SYRACUSE -- Hundreds of parents, teachers and union members filled the street in front of the State Office Building in Syracuse on Tuesday to let Governor Andrew Cuomo know that $1.5 billion in budget cuts to education wasn't ok with them.
Liverpool parent Heather Gullo brought her family to the rally and worried how the education budget would affect them.
"I have elementary school students and I have a SUNY student from SUNY Geneseo and cutting education on all levels is going to trickle down and make the middle class non-existent in New York State," said Gullo.
Union leaders and many teachers like Patty Farrington from North Syracuse said the state should maintain higher taxes on individuals making over $200,000 a year and that the wealthy could fill the budget gap.
"In order for a millionaire to ere they are, they had to have a teacher help them do it. so they should remember the teachers who brought them there because you can't look over your shoulder and forget your past," said Farrington.
Governor Cuomo and many lawmakers have said New York simply can not maintain the current level of spending and that the highest taxed state in the union needs to be more business friendly. Teachers said that while adjustments may be needed, the dramatic cuts could undermine local schools
"I absolutely love my job, I love going to work everyday and now my job is in jeopardy as are several of my colleagues and it's absolutely devastating. The morale in school isn't light and fun like it normally is. Right now everyone is scared for their job and their livelihood," said Pulaski teacher Grace Sublik.
The rally is one of seven happening across New York this week.
