ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor David Paterson says the state deficit for 2009-10 fiscal year has so far increased more than $1 billion,
to $6.4 billion, and hard choices including bringing the Legislature back for a special session are necessary now.

The Democrat says a hard look at the size of the state work force and spending is required to offset declining revenues in a worsening economy.

He made his comments in a rare televised address. He says he will detail his proposals in coming days.

Paterson still is not calling for some drastic measures otherstates have taken, including layoffs and cuts to health programsfor the poor and to schools.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos says he supports Paterson's plan to further cut spending in his agencies, but that cutting school aid would be totally inappropriate.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)