ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor David Paterson sees New York's condition as "perilous," but says courage to balance the
government's budget and priorities can create "a brighter, smarter
future," though it could take months or even years.

In his first state of the state address, Paterson is calling today for "shared sacrifice" to deliver a future where everyone has access to health care, excellent education and a good job and will breathe clean air and use clean energy.

Paterson noted that New York entered a recession in August. He's
already proposed a $121.1 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, up 1.1%. That includes layoffs, a cut in school aid and 88 new or higher fees.

The Democrat is also proposing several new initiatives, including establishing an upstate research consortium to develop hybrid electric batteries and energy storage technologies.

Paterson is setting a statewide goal of meeting 45% of electricity needs by 2015 through improved efficiency and clean renewable energy. He says hitting that goal would create an estimated 50,000 jobs.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)