BOSTON -- Many parents are concerned about funding for public education in these tough economic times.

With the grassroots group "Stand for Children," hundreds of parents, teachers and public education advocates descended on the State House Monday to lobby lawmakers for more money for education.

The group delivered 7,252 postcards to lawmakers from Massachusetts citizens who want legislators and the governor to know layoffs for teachers and school closings are not options.

The protesters at the State House were angry that teachers are being laid off, programs are being eliminated and schools are closing.

“From Winchester, to Worcester, to Boston, to Gloucester, there are kids that need to be represented,” said Carol Savage, of Wichester.

This is the first time since its inception in 2003 that Stand for Children has visited the State House when financial problems were so dire.

“Our message is even during these hard economic times we still have to invest in education,” Deb Steigman, of Worcester, said.

Lowell City Manager Bernie Lynch said his district will see layoffs in the coming year.

“The size of problem for next year is far more severe and we are going to be looking at layoffs probably across all of our departments,” he said.

Boston Public Schools will recieve an additional $25 million from the city and $16 million in federal stimulus money to narrow the budget gap, Boston Public Schools superintendent Carol Johnson announced Tuesday.