Paterson Seeks $800 Million State Buget Cut
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Citing troubles on Wall Street, Governor Paterson is taking the extraordinary step of calling for an $800 million cut in the proposed state budget.
Mr. Paterson wants to cut the almost 5% spending increase in Governor Spitzer’s plan to less than 4%. He also proposed an across-the-board 2% reduction in operating spending for all state agencies.
And the Senate Majority Leader, Joseph Bruno, a Republican, says he would be open to a hiring freeze for state workers. The state has about 1,400 job vacancies right now.
The Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver, is seeking a tax increase for New Yorkers who make $1 million or more.
Mr. Bruno rejects any tax increases.
Mr. Paterson and lawmakers are tackling the budget in meetings today.
