NEW YORK, NY March 19, 2008 —Up to 5,000 angry parents and public school supporters rallied outside City Hall during budget hearings, to protest millions of dollars in proposed cuts to education spending. Inside, councilmembers heard details of the effects of cuts on the police and district attorneys’ offices.

Gov. David Paterson, fresh from proposing his own additional $800 million in cuts, told City Hall reporters he’s still ruling out tax increases as a way to make ends meet. WNYC’s Bob Hennelly gives Amy Eddings the details from budget hearings, and Paterson’s news conference, on what a declining economy is meaning in real terms for city and state services.