Paterson calls for economic session

ALBANY - Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday again said New York state government faces an economic crisis and as proof said the projected budget deficit for 2009-10 fiscal year has increased more than $1 billion - to $6.4 billion - since April.

So he's calling the Legislature back “from vacation” for a special emergency economic session on Aug. 19 to cut spending, stem falling revenues, and protect New Yorkers from rising property taxes and heating bills this winter.

“It's simple,” Paterson said in a rare statewide televised address for a governor. “Costs are rising steadily and revenues are dropping dramatically.”