ALBANY -- New York state Senate Democrats are going to be sitting down with people around the state to get advice about the state's multibillion dollar budget deficits.

In a written statement, Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith says his conference will meet with officials, institutions and organizations who have stakes in next year's budget.

The forums will start next Tuesday in Buffalo, followed by Brookhaven on Dec. 11 and Oswego on Dec. 19.

The process will focus on budget areas like health, education, higher education and social services. Lawmakers are struggling with a budget gap of up to $2 billion for the 2008-09 fiscal year and as much as $15 billion for the coming year.

On the Net: http://www.senate.state.ny.us/senatehomepage.nsf/home?openform