After a bitter budget battle last year between health-care groups and then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer over health-care cuts, the groups are lauding Gov. David Paterson for restoring much of the aid that Spitzer planned to cut from hospitals, nursing homes and other health agencies.

The Greater New York Hospital Association and 1199 SEIU said today:

“Under the most challenging of circumstances, and in a timely fashion, Governor David Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver have crafted a sound, responsible budget that mitigates some of the most damaging cuts originally proposed, and enables hospitals, nursing homes, and home care workers to continue to provide the high-quality care that New Yorkers need and deserve.”

The Primary Care Coalition said the budget includes aid for primary-care physicians and puts more focus on preventative care.

“This is a truly historic day, as Governor Paterson and the state Legislature have sent a strong message that primary care must be the bedrock of any strategy leading to a successful healthcare system,” said Elizabeth Swain, CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York State.