Faith-based and social justice organizations are calling for change in the state's budget.

Representatives of the "New Hope" budget forum made a stop in Broome County Wednesday. One of the major issues discussed was wealth inequality.

They’re calling for the upper class to pay more. They want a state budget that's better for people living below the poverty line.

Participants say one way they can make this happen is by pushing for a fair elections campaign in New York State.

"In one of the richest states in this country, there is no reason why half the children in many of our upstate cities should be living in poverty,” said Ron Deutsch of the Fiscal Policy Institute. “We need to address it and we need to address it now before it is too late."

The fiscal year for the new state budget begins April 1st, if approved by State Legislature.