It looks like things have deteriorated still further between Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Gov. David Paterson (who would have thought that possible?), with each pointing the finger of blame at his fellow Democrat for the ongoing logjam over the budget.

Speaking at the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association breakfast this morning, Silver made no secret of his disdain for the governor’s 2010-2011 budget proposal and the desire of his conference to restore Paterson’s cuts – particularly when it comes to education.

Silver also voiced support for the borrowing plan floated by Paterson’s hand-picked LG, Richard Ravitch, from which the governor has repeatedly distanced himself.

“I and my Assembly colleagues are ready to pass a budget and we’ve been ready to act for some time now. We believe that the governor’s executive budget is unduly harsh to our school children and to the City of New York,” the speaker said.

“We passed a budget resolution that makes significant cuts to recognize we do have a $9.2 billion deficit, but we also make partial restorations and we adopt budget forms proposed by Lt. Gov Dick Ravitch.”

“By proposing a budget that ties appropriation to language, the governor has effectively precluded the legislature from engaging in any meaningful dialogue on his budget.”

And Silver didn’t stop there:

“I am fed up with the stalling,” he said. “I am weary of the recalcitrance and tired of the absence of a clear and steady focus from leadership at the highest levels of our government.”

“We have a gaping hole that still has not been addressed. That we are where we are after this much time is an embarrassment. We cannot allow the current impasse to go on.”

UPDATE: The speaker was apparently making a bit of a joke here, recalling that he had used the same lines at this event last year, but in reference to the lack of movement on redevelopment at Ground Zero, which is in his district. Eliot Brown has more on this.

When I spoke Wednesday with Assemblyman Jack McEneny (the night of the Democratic insurrection at the Capitol), he told me the speaker and the governor hadn’t spoken for days (specifically last Thursday). Silver confirmed that he and Paterson last spoke last week, but also said the two are scheduled to chat today.

The relationship between the two statewide leaders has grown increasingly rocky, and it hasn’t been helped by reports that Paterson feels betrayed by Ravitch’s close ties to Silver.

Asked this morning if the governor is drawing out the budget process in order remain relevant and stave off his lame duck status, Silver replied: “I believe, that as long as he or she has a bully pulpit, A governor can be as relevant as they choose to be.”

Pressed later by reporters on this topic, Silver qualified:

“I think he is meeting in good faith. I have no reason to think otherwise.”

(NOTE: Thanks to NY1′s Grace Rauh for contributing quotes for this post!)

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