Governor Paterson continued to talk tough during Wednesday's meeting with Legislative Leaders, who are still billions of dollars apart in reaching an agreement on the state budget. Paterson is threatening to use his executive powers to make cuts in public education and in the SUNY system, along with raising taxes on cigarettes. The budget is now 68-days late.
For the 4th time in the past month, legislative leaders met in the red room at the state capitol. There's been some progress in the past week, including $775 million in cuts through emergency appropriations-much of that coming from cuts in health care. "Some people feel this is passing a budget piecemeal. There would be a better way, making tough decisions, but piecemeal is better than no meal, and at this rate we can get this budget passed in a month," Governor Paterson said.
"Piecemeal is better than no meal, but right now I'm ready for the main course," said Senate Majority Leader John Sampson.
Paterson says the budget gap, once at $9.2 billion, is now closer to $10 billion. This is despite cuts agreed upon by lawmakers who are now about $2 billion apart from consensus on the new budget.
Paterson has told legislators to reach an agreement or run the risk of shutting down state government. Even so, lawmakers today expressed frustration over meetings that have produced few results. "This is nonsense, its window dressing. We need to get this done any way we can," said Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb.
Emergency spending bills have kept state government running, but the next round of spending bills won't be kind to education. With $1.4 billion cut from public schools, $95 million from state universities, and $50 million from community colleges, including OCC.
As discussions continue, there is added pressure from State Senator Pedro Espada, who declared yesterday that he will refuse to pass any more emergency spending bills designed to keep government running until a budget is completed. The failure to pass either a budget, or next week's bill, puts the state government at risk of shutting down.
Legislators hope to make progress on long-overdue budget
June 9, prior to the meeting
Albany (WSYR-TV) - A meeting will be held Wednesday in Albany among Legislative Leaders hoping to make progress on the long-overdue state budget.
If they don't, they risk a government shut-down at the hands of Senate Majority leader Pedro Espada.
Senator Espada has threatened to vote against any emergency spending bill that includes year-round cuts.
His vote combined with those from the Republican contingent in the Senate would halt operations at many government agencies and deny hospitals and school districts critical aid.
Governor Paterson is expected to introduce a short-term spending bill today that would cut funding for mental health and human services and possibly institute a new cigarette tax to generate more revenue for the state.
Espada is supported by Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos who says shutting down government will inconvenience many but he and his colleagues are prepared to do it anyway.
The governor won't be able to take these threats lightly as this is not the first time Espada has incapacitated the state senate. Last year the Democrats created a coalition with Republicans, returning the majority to Democrats only after he was named majority leader.
For a look at what Governor Paterson has to say at today's meeting with legislative leaders, tune in to our digital channel 9.2 at 11 a.m., 470 on Fios. A live stream will also be available here at 9WSYR.com.
