Governor & legislators argue over budget woes at special session

By By EVAN WHITE

Story Created: Nov 18, 2008 at 6:00 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2008 at 12:13 AM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WKTV) - The state's special session has ended and no new bill has been passed to resolve the budget deficit. Legislators say that doesn't mean they have nothing to show.

Listening to legislative leaders, there seems to be a long way to go between Governor Paterson's proposal and what legislators are ready to do.

Through a nearly 2-hour meeting between Paterson, and the leadership of the Assembly and Senate, there were more fireworks early on, "Now as we ready to vote on your bills today, you're accusing us of trying to derail the process, said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

"You have nothing to show. I'm still waiting for what your solutions," Paterson responded.

Paterson wanted leaders to negotiate and revise his proposal, something his fellow Democrats seemed to support.

In response, Republican Senate Majority Leader Skelos requested a copy of next year's budget, before entertaining the thought of hacking up this year's budget. Something Paterson said wasn't possible.

In the end, there were insults, jokes and a rough plan to put state agencies on notice that cuts will be coming.

Senator Skelos is confident the current deficit can be mended before year's end. Governor Paterson says he'll call for another special session in January to address the situation again.
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