Governor Paterson Wants a Billion More in Cuts

After repeated warnings about the state's economy and financial status, today Governor Paterson proposed another $1 billion in state spending cuts this year, and another $1.6 billion in cuts next year. Per The Politicker, "the cuts include $505 million to Medicaid, and $132 million that would be saved by postponing the implementation of legislators' programs" and cutting member items by 50% (for a savings of $100 million). Paterson wants to reduce the looming budget deficit and said, "I am confident that that the legislature will act given all the indications that we are headed for even greater problems than we have now.” Should be an interesting summer session!