Paterson Says He May Keep Lawmakers in Albany over Thanksgiving BUFFALO (wned) - State lawmakers may end-up spending their Thanksgiving holiday in Albany. During a stop in Niagara Falls yesterday, Governor David Paterson said he would consider whatever steps are necessary to close the $3.2 billion budget gap.

Paterson says the longer it takes to close the deficit, the more it will cost taxpayers.

"Every day we are delaying our payments and bringing us closer to that day of reckoning when the state becomes insolvent," Paterson said.

The governor says he can respect the fact that lawmakers say they don't like his deficit reduction plan, but at the same time, he says, they have not proposed one remedy.

Legislators say Paterson's proposed cuts will be too disruptive, forcing layoffs, hurting schools and hospitals and likely forcing local property taxes even higher.
Paterson says he hopes residents see what is happening elswhere.

"Nine states have engaged in early release programs, literally letting people out of jail because they can't pay their debts. Seven states have had their credit ratings downgraded in the last two weeks," said Paterson.

Governor Paterson says he is trying to save New York, not gut it.

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