A coalition that is pushing state lawmakers to include infrastructure projects in the coming state budget are set to launch an ad campaign on Monday to propel the issue forward.
The ad effort is being launched by Rebuild NY Now and will highlight road and bridge projects that have languished for years. At the crux of the argument is the potential create jobs with the investment amid a recession induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If Albany wants to bring our economy back, lawmakers need to invest in infrastructure," the ad states. "Local road and bridges are essential and will create thousands of good jobs at the time we need them the most."
New York is facing a $15 billion state budget gap, and lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are seeking billions of dollars in direct from the federal government to help close it.