Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance, traveled to Albany March 21 with Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy to lobby for parity in state funding for Rochester. Also on the trip, organized by the Fair Share Coalition, were James Bertolone, president of the Rochester Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Oscar Holloway, chairman of the Urban League of Rochester; the Rev. Marlowe Washington of BaberAMEChurch and others. The Fair Share Coalition, convened by the Rochester Business Alliance, is a 29-member organization that represents business, labor, education, faith communities, health care, government and nonprofits.

The group returned late Wednesday night, and Parker said that while no promises were made in Albany, the show of unity was helpful to the cause. "It says that everyone in the community recognizes the issues in the community and we're all pulling together to make positive changes," said Parker.

The Fair Share Coalition members met with Gov. Eliot Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to discuss equity in state funding for Rochester, which currently receives far less per capita than BuffaloorSyracuse. Gov. Spitzer's proposed state budget includes a $9 million increase in aid for Rochester, which city leaders say is greatly appreciated. But much more is needed to close the equity gap with other Upstate cities.

The Fair Share Coalition is urging community residents to join in their cause by sending a fax or e-mail to leaders and our local delegation in Albany. To participate, click here.