Thousands of teachers, health care workers, labor unions, and community groups held rallies across New York State yesterday to protest Governor Paterson's budget proposal, which would slash approximately $2.5 billion in education funding, $3.2 billion in health care, and cut billions from programs for senior services, disability services, housing assistance and crisis intervention programs. In downtown Manhattan, rally organizers say some 50,000 people assembled around City Hall, and the crowds forced the NYPD to reduce Broadway to one lane and close side streets. more ›