We welcome recent comments by New York Gov. David Paterson that the next state budget needs to include cuts in spending.

Historically, talk about “cutting” in Albany has referred to reducing the size of the increase. But Paterson, just days after the new state budget was passed, began calling for a 5 percent to 10 percent cut in spending next year.

The recent round of budget negotiations - resulting in a spending increase of 4 percent - was again assembled in a series of last-minute, secret meetings, and Paterson, though he was thrown into the fray at the last minute, didn't do anything to stop it.

But we're encouraged by his new goal for two reasons.

First, it's simply refreshing to hear talk about the next state spending plan so far in advance. Now is the time to begin the next round of negotiations, not March 2009.

There is certainly time now, as the current legislative session isn't scheduled to end until June 23, for lawmakers to start finding ways to pay for essentials without raising taxes.

Secondly, Paterson's goal is within reach. It would be much more compelling to suggest that the state could find 20 percent in cuts, but somewhere between 5 percent and 10 percent is a realistic goal, and there's no reason this can't be accomplished.

Paterson seems genuinely disturbed by both the budget process and its outcome.

The next few months will be very telling of his leadership potential. If he can persuade others to work with him, the state could be in much better financial shape at this time next year.

Real cuts are what's needed, and we hope state lawmakers follow Paterson's example and start working on the problem sooner, rather than later.