By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-830780.mp3
Niagara Falls – Governor David Paterson said Thursday that Western New York is getting $72 million of the federal stimulus package to help jump-start the local economy. He also defended the recently passed state budget, saying it too puts New York on the road to recovery.
The governor stood with a long line of local elected leaders to make the announcement. They took turns applauding the federal infusion of money that is expected to create more than 1,700 jobs within the next couple of months. Officials say that $75 million of state Department of Transportation money will double the stimulus impact.
But the good news faded quickly as Paterson and state lawmakers attempted to defend other parts of the recently passed, controversial state budget. Senator Antoine Thompson said the deficit made it extremely difficult.
Paterson called the budget disciplined. He said lawmakers cut the deficit in the out-years from $60 billion to $11 billion. And he said that puts the state on the right path.
Paterson said 8,900 layoffs and hikes in taxes were needed to help offset this year's $17.5 billion deficit. He said CSEA workers can still come back to the table to negotiate for their jobs. And he said the tax hikes are not set in stone either. "As soon as the economy starts to recover, we'd be happy to roll back a lot of these taxes," said Paterson.
On the spending side, Paterson disputed reports that spending soared. He said, with earlier stimulus money factored out, spending was almost flat.
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