By Jessica Bloustein
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-512506.mp3
Albany, NY – The drain on public school budgets caused by the growth of charter schools is a growing problem in many parts of the Northeast region. Advocates of the Albany public school system are calling for New York State lawmakers to help ease the burden of charter schools on the district's finances. Voters shot down the district's $170 million budget and 7.2 percent property tax increase by 71 votes Tuesday-and district officials are blaming it on the cost of charter schools they absorb. The city is home to ten percent of the state's charter schools. WAMC's Capital District Bureau Chief Jessica Bloustein reports.