Budget Protest Sleepover

Sure it's a school night, but that's not stopping plans by a variety of interest group to execute a sleep over at the Capitol on Wednesday in protest of the three-way budget agreement. The event promises hundreds of New Yorkers, signs. chanting. folk songs and marshmallows.
The groups include the Alliance for Quality Education, Citizen Action of New York, New York City Coalition for Educational Justice, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Make the Road New York, New York Communities for Change, VOCAL, PUSH-Buffalo, Right to the City New York, Real Rent Reform New York, Community Voices Heard, New Deal for New York, The Save Our SUNY Coalition, Strong Economy for All, Growing Together New York Coalition and VOICE Buffalo.
Their release says that they want to "bear witness to the votes on this painful budget." They allege it will deliver painful cuts to children, families, seniors and schools, while providing a $4.6 billion tax cut for three percent of New Yorkers ( by allowing the millionaire's tax to lapse). They add that, "The budget also fails to proactively renew and strengthen the rent laws, a sign that the State Legislature is more concerned with pandering to real estate interests than protecting the millions of New Yorkers who depend on these laws to stay in their homes."
The event is scheduled to culminate at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the "Million Dollar Staircase" on the third floor of the capitol.