Governor Paterson: "I'll fix budget deficit;" Griffo: "Not him"
Story Created:
Nov 24, 2009 at 4:32 PM EST
Story Updated:
Nov 24, 2009 at 5:55 PM EST
ALBANY, N.Y. (WKTV) - Governor David Paterson said Tuesday that if state lawmakers do not want to close the state budget deficit, then he will do it himself. Then, Paterson sent a bill to lawmakers that would give him the power to do just that.
Paterson said some lawmakers will not acknowledge that a $3.2 billion deficit even exists. More so, Paterson said some lawmakers won't try to fix it. The Governor called the current state fiscal crisis "an unprecedented fiscal emergency."
"Unless we act, New York will run out of money even we delay payments to schools or local governments," Paterson said in a web address Tuesday.
Paterson said that for seven weeks lawmakers have ignored the problem of the $3 billion budget deficit and that now he will take matters into his own hands...if they let him.The bill sent to state lawmakers would grant him a one-time authority to close the current deficit.
"If the legislature is unwilling to make the necessary cuts, I will," Paterson said. "If the legislature is unwilling to do what needs to be done, I will. If the legislature is unwilling to endure the criticism and the consequences, I will."
New York State Senator Joe Griffo, (R) 47th - District, said he does not want Paterson to be balancing budgets.
"Remember, this is the same guy who gave you the new license plates you didn't want. This is the same guy that passed a law wanting to tax your haircuts and bowling games, and theater tickets," said Senator Griffo.
Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito said she is reviewing the governor's deficit reduction plan and remains hopeful some kind of agreement will be reached.
"Spending cuts and structural reforms will be necessary to avoid further harm to New York's overall fiscal condition," Destito said. "I share the governor's call for no new taxes or fees to close our state's current deficit."
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