Paterson to Deliver Speech on Budget Monday ALBANY, NEW YORK (WXXI) - Governor David Paterson is going ahead with plans to present a speech to the state legislature Monday on New York's budget problems, and to then ask lawmakers to pass his budget cutting bills on Tuesday. But the governor is facing opposition from some lawmakers, and groups effected by the cuts.

The governor, in a speech to a joint session of the legislature, will once again outline New York's ongoing budget problems. Many Democrats in the Senate, including the Senate Leaders, initially balked at the idea of returning to Albany to listen to what they called a "photo op" aimed at shoring up the governor's sagging poll numbers. They later relented, under pressure and negative publicity, and now virtually all members of the state legislature plan to be in attendance for the event at 3 pm Monday.

Governor Paterson, who is under 20% approval rating in the polls, has stepped up his activities that appear aimed at seeking election next year, including Monday's speech and a number of recent television and radio appearances. He's begun running TV ads, an unusual step nearly one year before the Election Day. In them, he addresses the challenges that he's faced as a governor.

"Some say I shouldn't be running for governor," Paterson says in the ad.

In another ad, Paterson admits to having a bit of a learning curve when it comes to governing.

"And when you become governor, you learn you will make mistakes," the narrator intones.

The governor then concludes that he's running for the good of the state.

"It's more important to do what's right for the people of New York," Paterson says in the ad.

On Tuesday, Paterson has ordered the legislature to hold a special session, in which he's asked them to adopt his plan to cut spending to close the deficit, including mid year school aid cuts and health care reductions. So far, Senate Democrats have been reluctant to go along with those cuts, and education and health care groups plan to come to the Capitol to protest.

Advocates for the disabled are also hoping that members of the legislature won't listen to the governor, and will devise an alternative plan. Many are holding a vigil outside Paterson's offices. David and Kathleen Rossuck, both with development disabilities, are married and live in a supported housing duplex. They say they are "nervous and worried" that they won't be able to continue living independently, if the cuts go through.

"It's just kind of really important that it doesn't happen," said David Rossuck, his voice breaking.

Kathleen Rossuck, when asked what she thinks of the first disabled governor proposing cuts for disabled services, is kind in her reply, saying she's sure he's "very bright", and someone to be admired, but wonders if he either "doesn't care" or has forgotten what it's like.

In addition to the budget cuts, Paterson has also included a long list of other bills for the legislature to consider Tuesday, including legalizing gay marriage, capping state spending, and reforming public authorities.

It's uncertain whether lawmakers will be able to accomplish all of those items in one day, or whether there is even enough support for some of them to pass.









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