Paterson Defends Withholding School Aid

New York, NY —

Gov. David Paterson is standing by his decision to withhold state funding from New York's public schools in order to keep the state solvent through the end of the year. Education groups are suing the governor over the payments. Paterson filed a separate brief in court today, defending his action.

"I would rather spend this time working for the people of New York rather than defending myself against special interests who have buried their heads in the sand and do not even admit that the reality that we face exists," Paterson says.

Paterson says he’s within his legal rights to withhold December payments to schools and others, because New York is running out of money.

A judge is expected to hear the case early in January.

Paterson plans to delay a total of $582 million to districts in December and January. He says the state will fulfill its payments once more revenue comes in.

"When the resources are there, we will then release them, but not a day forward. So I look forward to our day in court," Paterson says.