Albany, NY —
Lawmakers have approved a third round of budget extenders to keep New York State, but not without some complaints.
Lawmakers grumbled over the governor's latest round of austerity spending extenders, which exclude any state-funded road and bridge repair projects, saying construction workers are being kept out of work. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are considering some new fees to close the budget gap, including fees on new car purchases and boat docking fees. Senate President Malcolm Smith says legislators have not made much progress though in talks with the governor.
"Obviously we are far apart."
Gov. David Paterson didn't meet with legislative leaders but he issued a letter to New Yorkers on the budget negotiations, saying he'd rather hold out for more spending cuts and new taxes on cigarettes and soda.