New York credit unions stepped up their campaign Wednesday to garner more upstate support for an enabling public funds bill as the Credit Union Association of New York brought key mayors and municipal leaders before the media to demonstrate widening backing.

At an Albany press briefing Tuesday, the CUANY said a growing coalition of local government groups is now urging state lawmakers to include the so-called "municipal deposit choice" bill in the final state budget.

"We appreciate our local government association partners and the many state and local leaders who stand with us today as we ask the State Assembly to join the governor and State Senate in supporting municipal deposit choice," William J. Mellin, president/CEO of CUANY, told reporters.

Among supporters speaking out for the CUANY bill were Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings; Albany County Executive Michael Breslin and Vestal Town Supervisor Pete Andreasen, a member of the New York State Association of Towns.

"I'm proud to support this legislation and urge the legislature to get this through this year," said Albany Mayor Jennings adding the bill "will give local leaders the flexibility we need and saves taxpayers through increased competition and that's what built America."

Breslin, the Albany County Executive, said he stands "squarely behind municipal choice since we need an opportunity to utilize all of our resources including credit unions and community banks."

CUANY said it has picked up endorsements for its bill from a broad array of public trades including New York State Conference of Mayors, the Associations of Towns and Counties, the Fireman's Association of New York, the New York School Boards Association and the New York Library Association.