A huge rally today at New York's City Hall demonstrated the power of labor as well as others committed to a fair budget to demand that the state's 2009/10  projected $15 billion deficit not be balanced on the backs of working women and men, children, the poor, the elderly, the sick and infirm. Tens of thousands of average, everyday, New Yorkers from labor unions, church groups, non-profits and others came out in the cold afternoon on March 5, 2009 to let the governor, mayor and every elected state legislator and city council member know that they will not countenance a budget that does not embrace shared sacrifice. So great were their numbers that Broadway was reduced to one lane and numerous side streets were closed entirely by the New York City Police Department.

Crowds began forming early along Broadway in Lower Manhattan as union members and other committed activists began gathering. As the rally proceeded from its 4:00 P.M. start time, speaker after speaker energized the assembled who continued to exponentially grow in number until they were massed well north of Federal Plaza. Large speakers and jumbo-trons, strategically placed along Broadway, allowed even those furthest from the podium to hear and see the speakers.

Randi Weingarten, head of the United Federation of Teachers, brought a roar from the crowd when she exclaimed that "today is just the beginning of getting the state legislature to pass a fair budget." She commented further after the rally that it was important "to follow-up today's rally immediately with personal outreach to each and every legislator" to accomplish our goals.

Thousands in the crowd waved placards and banners which demanded that the governor and legislature "Protect Our Families," "Preserve Health Care" and "Save Lives." They also frequently chanted in unison "we will not be defeated" and "not on our backs."   

Many of the speakers demanded that the wealthiest New Yorkers bear their share of the burden of solving the state's budget crisis by paying higher taxes. Indeed, over the past thirty years New York has cut its tax rate for the wealthiest residents by 50% and reduced its top tax rate to 6.85% for anyone earning over $40,000 per year. Such an anomaly has created a tax system where someone making above $40,000 per year pays the same marginal tax rate as someone earning $4 million. Such an unfair and disproportionate tax burden combined with budget proposals which are designed to close the deficit by exploiting the state's most vulnerable population clearly enraged the crowd.

For further information on the purpose behind the rally, please click here.

Today, the citizens of the state of New York have something to be truly proud of: almost 50,000 regular guys and gals, children and grandparents, people of every color, creed and religion, gathered in New York City to show their political leaders that any budget which is enacted which tries to exploit the weakest of our citizens will not be tolerated.

Today, New Yorkers stood up to be noticed. Those who ignore their demonstration do so at their own peril.      

UPDATE: Across the state fair budget rallies were held on March 5, 2009.

For a report on the Syracuse rally, click here. 

In Albany, click here.

For a report on the Rochester rally, click here.

A Buffalo report on the rally can be found by clicking here.