ALBANY, N.Y. -- With less than a month to go until the budget deadline, many at the state Capitol can agree that there will not be as much money available from state revenue as originally thought.
With a fiscal downturn in sight, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle think budget numbers will be lower than hoped. A $250 million shortfall is expected for the "general fund" for this year and next year's budget.
Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco said that although there may be less money, a challenging budget could benefit New Yorkers in the long run.
"But that may give us the opportunity for once as a legislature and with the executive to stand up and make those tough decisions which can be a standard for future budgets and that is we can't create a perfect world, we can't say yes to every group, but we can have a better quality of life here if we stick to funding those priorities of the people we represent," Tedisco said.
With less than a month to go until the budget deadline, many at the state Capitol can agree that there will not be as much money available from state revenue as originally thought.
Meantime, Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari said it's good that Democrats and Republicans are agreeing on the figures, but he's dismayed that the economy continues to be on a down turn. He said he intends to continue his commitment to education and the health care system.
And that countdown clock is ticking. The deadline for an on-time budget is April 1st.