Paterson calls for action on deficit, gay marriage

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. David Paterson has urged lawmakers to use their power to tackle the state's $3.2 billion budget deficit and give final approval to a same-sex marriage bill when they convene in a special session Tuesday.

In a rare midyear address to a joint meeting of the Assembly and Senate, he warned lawmakers that unless immediate action is taken, the state's finances and cash flow will be affected in less than five weeks.

But the Democrat-led Senate has been opposing his proposal, pitching its own plan to avoid what the conference calls painful cuts. The powerful health care lobby praised the ideas as innovative, but Paterson's budget office called them gimmicky.

The special session is planned to enact any cuts and possibly consider other measures, including same-sex marriage.

On the issue of same sex marriage, Paterson said, "I am asking the members of the New York State Senate, on both aisles, to take up and pass the marriage equality legislation this week. If gay and lesbian couples want to be married then they should be allowed to be married."

He continued to say, "These women and men are members of our family yours and mine, but more importantly they are members of the family of New York. We feel that they are entitled to the full and equal protection under the law and I ask you that you give them that opportunity this week."

For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our websitewww.whec.com.

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