New York, NY —

Governor Paterson is in Washington, DC, today, asking Congress to help bail out New York.

Speaking before the House Ways and Means Committee at a hearing on a second economic stimulus package, Paterson asked for federal block grants, similar to those given after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

REPORTER: He says New York is ready to move on lots of infrastructure projects that would help the economy if it gets federal money.

PATERSON: We would have 40 shovel ready programs ready for improving highways and bridges. We would have another 58 programs ready to go in the area of water projects.

REPORTER: The Governor also called on Congress to invest in food stamps and to extend and modernize unemployment insurance.