Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren is asking for a substantial hike in state aid for the coming budget year. She testified before state lawmakers Wednesday in Albany on what is traditionally called "Tin Cup " a day where some of the mayors from around the state make their case for more aid.
Warren wants an increase of $31 million in so-called "AIM" aid, up to $119 million. She says that additional aid could help Rochester bring more jobs, safer neighborhoods and better schools for city residents.
Warren also says that Rochester does not fare as well as some other upstate cities when it comes to state aid.
"It is imperative that the unrestricted aid to municipalities be allocated equitably on a per capita basis. And it must take into consideration such factors as poverty, population and unemployment."
Warren is also asking the state to continue to invest in programs that will help clean up so-called "brownfield sites" which she says would get those sites ready for redevelopment.
Warren says the state lawmakers should take into account a number of factors including the fact that Rochester has the fifth worst poverty rate in the country.
