School officials and the teachers union in Yonkers, faced with an expected $50 million budget shortfall that could lead to layoffs next fall, are hoping government officials will provide help.

At a breakfast Tuesday, Yonkers school officials reached out to local business leaders and asked them to try and influence the decision making of the city's elected officials.

"As businesses are cutting back, I think government has to tighten its belt," says Kevin Cacace, of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce. "But we hope not at the cost of taking away central services, and teachers are a part of it."

Yonkers School Superintendent Bernard P. Pierorazio is expected to travel to Albany Wednesday, where he will testify about the proposed state budget and what it means for Yonkers schools.