Lawmakers Resist Paterson’s Spending Cuts

(New York Times) — Lawmakers who gathered here for a special session appeared almost certain on Monday night to set aside a package of spending cuts proposed by Gov. David A. Paterson, leaving this year’s state budget hundreds of millions of dollars out of balance as the governor-elect, Andrew M. Cuomo, prepares to take office on Jan. 1.  The package, including $55 million in reductions to Medicaid services and $260 million in across-the-board cuts in state aid to local governments, was intended to cover shortfalls in tax revenue during this fiscal year that have emerged since the budget was passed. But Senate Democrats clashed with Mr. Paterson, who announced the special session two weeks ago, over whether the governor had given lawmakers enough time to examine the plan and review the cuts.

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