GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE TO OPEN BUDGET PROCESS

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the release of a new website, “www.ReduceNYSpending.gov,” that will lead the public in a discussion about how to control unsustainable growth in the size of the New York’s budget.

“With the State facing significant budget deficits and a struggling economy, New Yorkers deserve a frank and honest discussion about the need for greater fiscal responsibility in State government,” said Governor Paterson.  “As we work to confront this crisis, I will continue to take my message of fiscal responsibility directly to the people.”

As a result of recent, unprecedented turmoil on Wall Street – a sector that accounts for 20 percent of tax revenues – the State must close a budget shortfall of at least $1.5 billion in the current fiscal year and a deficit of $12.5 billion in 2009-10. Over the next four years, New York faces a projected cumulative budget gap of $47.0 billion – the largest in State history.

The website has several features that will help engage New Yorkers in a discussion about our government’s spending priorities. They include:

• Information about New York’s fiscal condition and Governor Paterson’s initiatives to control State spending
• A section for New Yorkers to submit potential savings ideas, their input about the State’s spending priorities, or any other comments about the budget process
• A calculator that allows the public to create their own proposal to balance next year’s budget, demonstrating the difficult tradeoffs necessary when closing a $12.5 billion deficit

Governor Paterson has called for a special session of the Legislature to convene on November 18 to address the State’s $1.5 billion current-year shortfall. Additionally, he will submit his 2009-10 Executive Budget more than one month early, on December 16, 2008, to get a head start on the process of aggressively confronting the State’s substantial future deficits.