New York State United Teachers launched a lawsuit over public school funding on Tuesday, arguing that a provision in state law violates the state Constitution by allowing the executive branch to unilaterally change appropriation aid to localities.

The litigation, filed in state court in Albany County, says that cuts in state aid to k-12 public schools are unconstitutional and illegal. The union lawsuit, which names Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a defendant, also claims the move violates the “separation and distribution of powers” in the state Constitution.