Image of nurses' hands at computer keyboard

Proposed state budget cuts in New York have angered advocates for seniors and the elderly.

A rally last Thursday drew at least a few thousand to City Hall. Seniors, nurses and doctors, union leaders, politicians and university students came out in opposition to proposed reductions to Medicaid and entitlement programs. Protestors also demonstrated against potential reductions to education programs.

To close a projected $14 billion budget gap in FY 2010, New York Governor David Paterson (D) has recommended slashing billions of dollars to Medicaid services and Supplemental Security Income for seniors and the disabled. Education is also a target of the proposed state budget cuts. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed some cuts to homeless prevention programs and some city services.