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While Governor Andrew Cuomo's polls numbers have been soaring, one solidly-Democratic group met over the weekend to make sure that the party's base is not forgotten.

"This is our annual policy conference for the caucus of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian elected officials. And this weekend we had a range of issues from education to redistricting. Dealing with the formally incarcerated coming back to our neighborhoods," said State Assemblyman Karim Camara of Brooklyn.

A black-tie dinner on Sunday night capped off a weekend that included workshops focusing on issues including reforming the state pension system and campaign finance reform.

"When only the wealthy are participating in politics directly or the only ones running directly. That means that there are a lot of voices not being heard. So what campaign finance would do is give the opportunity to normal folk," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera of the Bronx.

Unlike last year, this year the governor did not speak at the dinner. Instead, he held a private reception for lawmakers Saturday night at the governor's mansion in Albany.

In an event that was closed to the press, Cuomo honored State Assemblyman Herman Denny Farrell for his 80th birthday. Farrell, the former state Democratic chairman, is the most senior member of the caucus.

"Well, it was a lot of fun. I go back a ways with the governor. It was nice. I enjoyed it. My friends were there," said Farrell.

"Denny has been a longtime member of this caucus and a leader in both the Assembly and the legislature as a whole," said State Senator Kevin Parker of Brooklyn.

But not everyone was happy that the governor skipped the black tie dinner.

"The governor should show his face here. He didn't want to come because last year we confronted him on raising the tax on the rich. How dare he now," said City Councilman Charles Barron of Brooklyn.

The governor did ultimately strike a deal with the legislature to create a higher tax bracket for the wealthiest New Yorkers, while reducing taxes for taxes for middle income earners.

This year's budget is due April 1.