With the state drowning in deepening deficit spending and running out of cash to pay huge bills dues next month, New York’s Legislature is poised to put off what Governor David Paterson called the "tough decisions to save our state."
The Legislature was asked to act on Paterson’s Oct. 15 plan to reduce the $3.2 billion deficit, including politically dicey cuts to schools and health care. Instead, the Senate and Assembly convened briefly as required by Paterson’s call for an extraordinary session. The Senate met for a half-hour mostly spent honoring members who are veterans. The Assembly met for two minutes. Then both chambers returned to closed-door sessions.
All sides say no deals are close, although they are ready to seek agreement on another special session next week or in December.