ALBANY, N.Y. -- Students and faculty from SUNY and CUNY schools across the state gathered in Albany on Tuesday to protest the governor's proposal to slash funding for public higher education.

Protestors say the move would cut financial aid and change tuition policy.

Leaders from New York Public Interest Research Group, University Student Senate, CUNY'S Professional Staff Congress and SUNY'S United University Professions urged supporters to fight proposed cuts to higher education, which could total $191 million.

But with budget projections worsening, many believe the cuts could go deeper.

"Everybody needs to have an affordable higher education, and they need to have an affordable higher education," said Kathleen, who attended the protest.

"We’ve been singled out. We’ve been targeted, and I think quite frankly it's because we're a soft target. People don't really see what goes on in higher education so it's an easy way to cut," said United University Professions President Phillip Smith.

The rally comes on the heels of similar protests held last week across the country.