As the result of an intensive lobbying campaign, Rochester will receive an unprecedented 33% increase in state aid this year – an additional $18 million.  Interfaith Action began the Fair Share campaign at a July 28, 2006 public forum attended by 500 people. Facing another massive city budget gap, the community challenged mayoral candidates to aggressively lobby legislators for equity in state aid.  Historically, Rochester has received substantially less aid per capita that Buffalo and Syracuse.
 
At a February 13, 2006 retreat with Interfaith Action and other community leaders, Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy was challenged to enlist the support of the entire community in the lobbying effort.  Interfaith Action became a founding member of the Fair Share Coalition, which included a wide range of organizations from the business, labor, and faith communities. Despite wrangling between the governor and legislative leaders, Rochester's united delegation of Republican and Democratic state legislators were able to negotiate the record increase in aid.  Traditionally, upstate cities have received the same percentage increase in state funding.  For more information visit www.iapico.org.

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Aid to city soars