New York City first lady Chirlane McCray will lobby for her husband's pre-kindergarten plan in Albany next week.
McCray revealed the trip to The Associated Press on Wednesday during her first extensive interview since her husband Bill de Blasio took office in January.
De Blasio wants to fund his proposal by raising taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. But he needs approval from the state Legislature that has not been forthcoming.
McCray's influence on de Blasio draws comparisons to Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton. She is de Blasio's closest unofficial adviser and played a key role in his campaign.
McCray runs The Mayor's Fund in a volunteer capacity. The group raises donations for such causes as the environment, youth development, health, financial empowerment, volunteerism and the arts.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
