New York Advocates Hold Annual 'People's' Rally

"The sounds of campaign contributions are heard so much better than the pleas of average citizens," said Mark Dunlea, executive director of the Hunger Action Network of New York."

With Gov. David Paterson set to kick off the 2010 legislative session with his State of the State speech Wednesday, advocates and lobbyists are getting out in front, trying to be heard and shape coming policy and fiscal debates.

The 21st annual "People's State of the State" rally drew about 40 demonstrators huddling against the midday cold outside the Capitol.

A soup kitchen was planned at the same spot Wednesday by a group Dunlea said serves 150 people daily only blocks away.

Demonstrators chanted, "Hey hey, ho ho, Joe Bruno ethics has got to go." The former New York Senate Republican leader was convicted in December of corruption charges for using his state post to pursue private business interests.

The Hunger Action Network and the Empire State Economic Security Campaign, which organized the event, called for more government funding to support jobs for welfare recipients and the unemployed.