Rome, NY (WIBX) - A small group gathered at the South Rome Senior Center for a public budget hearing, voicing their concern regarding Governor Cuomo's budgeting of senior programs, health programs and education.

Assemblymen Anthony Brindisi and Herman Farrell, the Chairman of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, were on hand to discuss current fiscal problems both here and across the state.

Brindisi says he is aiming to increase funding for education, and has reservations towards Cuomo's $250 million "enhanced teacher evaluation process."

"The governor has promised a four percent overall increase in education, which he has done," Brindisi said. "However, a portion of that money he has earmarked for competitive grants, around $250 million. I, along with the rest of my conference, have asked him to consider utilizing those grants for additional aid to high needs districts."

A second public budget hearing was also held in Utica.

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