Paterson: State of state is 'perilous'

ALBANY -- Gov. David Paterson sees New York's condition as "perilous," but the courage to balance the government's budget and priorities can create "a brighter, smarter future," though it could take months and even years.

In his first State of the State address, Paterson called Wednesday for "shared sacrifice" for a future where everyone has access to health care, excellent education and a good job and will breathe clean air and use clean energy.

"We still do not know the extent of the economic chaos that awaits us," Paterson told a joint session of the state Legislature. Noting New York entered a recession in August, he said an estimated 225,000 New Yorkers could lose their jobs before the crisis is over, and "the pillars of Wall Street have crumbled."