Politics on the Hudson

Saying the state is at the “brink of financial challenge of unprecedented magnitude,” Gov. David Paterson on Monday urged the state Legislature to pass a budget-cutting plan that he says is vital to the state’s fiscal health.

In a rare joint session of the Legislature, Paterson called lawmakers together to stress the importance of making mid-year cuts in state spending, particularly in health care and education. Paterson is seeking to close an estimated $3.2 billion budget gap in the current 2009-10 fiscal year, which runs until March 31.

“If we make the tough decisions now, we can return to our investments in education and health care for all of New Yorkers,” Paterson said during the roughly 15-minute speech.

The Democratic governor has called a special session Tuesday with the hope of having lawmakers close the budget gap and pass legislation, including legalizing same-sex marriage and reforming the state’s pension system.

But lawmakers were reluctant to make cuts to schools and health care, saying doing so would hurt classroom education and services New Yorkers depend on. Earlier in the day, Senate Democrats released their own budget plan that excludes cuts to schools and health care and instead seeks new revenue and sweeps of money from other state agencies.

“I know that there are still things most of the senators in our conference feel should not be cut,” said Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers. “I’m very concerned about both the cuts to the health care and education.”

Paterson has proposed cutting $1.3 billion to schools, health care and other programs, drawing the ire of special-interest groups and some lawmakers.

But the Democratic governor, whose approval ratings have fallen to record lows, said he’s willing to bear the brunt of the criticism if it means restoring the state’s fiscal health. He said other states have had to shorten school days, lay off state workers and make other choices that New York as so far been able to stave off.

“I will mortgage my political career on this plan,” said Paterson, who is seeking election next year. “But I will not mortgage the fate of the state of New York. We cannot borrow or tax our way out of the situation.”

Lawmakers offered Paterson, a former state senator, a cordial reception, but only applauded once during his speech – when he said New York should pass a law that makes same-sex marriage legal.

After the speech, Paterson spent nearly an hour behind closed doors with Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, to discuss the budget situation. They said negotiations continue.

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