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Cuomo proposes $133 billion budget, cuts in spending, 9,800 layoffs

By the Associated Press

Story Created: Feb 1, 2011 at 6:18 AM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2011 at 11:45 AM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor Andrew Cuomo proposes $133 billion budget; calls for cuts in spending, up to 9,800 layoffs.

A state official with knowledge of a private meeting between Cuomo and legislative leaders Monday night said Cuomo is considering cuts of 2 percent to 3 percent in school aid and in Medicaid, while proposing as many as 10,000 state layoffs.

A Cuomo official wouldn't comment.

The state official says Cuomo discussed the rare cuts as true reductions from current funding levels. Annual state school aid is about $21 billion while the Medicaid health care program for the poor and working poor costs more than $50 billion.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because discussion during the executive mansion meeting Monday night wasn't supposed to be released before Cuomo's budget address on Tuesday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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