ALBANY -- Gov. David Paterson wants to cut the growth in school aid in the current fiscal year by just more than half and increase tuition for state colleges.

His plan to eliminate billions of dollars in deficits is about to be presented in Manhattan and calls for a 5 percent increase in aid to public schools, instead of a projected 9 percent. The Democrat also proposes a $600 — or 14 percent increase — in tuition at the State University of New York and a $600 increase at the City University of New York, a roughly 15 percent hike.

Paterson says in the address Wednesday that an increase in the state's gas tax could be in the mix, although he has said he would try to avoid any tax increases.

A special legislative to address the state's fiscal crisis is scheduled for Nov. 18.

On the Net: www.ReduceNYSpending.gov