Paterson Calls for $800 Million in Budget Cuts

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Citing troubles on Wall Street, Gov. David Paterson is taking the extroardinary step of calling for an $800 million cut in the proposed state budget.

Paterson wants to cut the almost 5 percent spending increase in former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's plan to less than 4 percent. He also proposed an across-the-board 2 percent reduction in operating spending for all state agencies.

And Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, a Republican, says he would be open to a hiring freeze for state workers. The state has about 1,400 job vacancies right now.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is seeking a tax increase for New Yorkers who make $1 million or more. Bruno rejects any tax increases.

Paterson and lawmakers are tackling the budget in meetings Tuesday.

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