NY Gov. wants power cut deficit in face of Legislature’s inaction, asks them to let him do it

NY Gov. asks lawmakers to let him cut deficit

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. David Paterson wants the Legislature to grant him emergency, one-time power to close a $3.2 billion deficit in the face of inaction by lawmakers.

In an Internet address Tuesday, he asked lawmakers to give him the power to make spending cuts and take other actions to provide enough cash for the state to pay its December bills.

It’s unclear whether the special power would be granted by lawmakers who have so far balked at Paterson’s proposed cuts. There was no immediate comment from the Senate and Assembly majorities

State Sen. Ruben Diaz, a Bronx Democrat, says he won’t vote for Paterson’s cuts or his proposed bill. Diaz says Paterson is trying to act like a “macho man” for New York voters.

The state has faced a $3.2 billion deficit for months.