Paterson Reports No Progress on Budget Deficit ALBANY (wned) - Governor David Paterson isn't especially optimistic that state lawmakers will meet his target date today for action on a $3.2 billion deficit.

"They (state legislators) may get to see me more than their families if they don't get to work," threatened Paterson, referring to the governor's power to force another "special session."

Taxing tobacco sales on Indian reservations is suddenly being seen as a key element in dealing with the state's fiscal crisis.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Carl Kruger says there might be $1.6 billion in new revenues if the state and the various Indian nations can get together and collect the taxes.

"I say we should collect before we cut," said Kruger,who yesterday delivered a letter to the governor demanding the taxes be collected. "Today is the day we draw a line in the sand!"

Paterson says Kruger has no idea what he's talking about on how much can be collected.

"The people of New York are chagrined over this naked, political act," Paterson said.

"I'm just hoping that people are taking note of how ridiculous some of these proposals are."

Paterson says failure to act will force the state to borrow and use gimmicks to try to meet its spending needs. © Copyright 2012, wned