Gov. David Paterson, who has been at an undisclosed downstate location since yesterday morning while legislative leaders tried to hash out a budget deal in Albany, just released a statement confirming he is moving forward with his everything-but-the-kitchen sink budget extender plan.

“As I have said for months, I am willing to listen to alternative solutions to New York’s budget crisis, and will continue to listen to suggestions from the Legislature over the next 48 hours,” Paterson said.

“However, while the door remains open for negotiation, it will not be on Albany time, where deadlines only exist to be extended or ignored. Absent a negotiated agreement with the Legislature, the emergency extender I will propose will be submitted to the Legislature for an up or down vote. New Yorkers are entitled to a final budget and they will get it on Monday, just as I promised.”

Paterson said the final budget he will put forth, when combined with the bills already passed by the Legislature, “will fulfill the core principles of my initial proposal: shared sacrifice combined with recurring spending reductions and responsible budgeting.”

There will be no borrowing to fund operating expenses, “responsible new revenue streams,” and “deep but necessary spending reductions.”

Paterson didn’t mention the 6 p.m. meeting Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson are hoping to have with him in NYC this evening.

It’s fairly clear at this point that the governor is determined to have his “I did it my way” headlines this weekend. What remains unclear is who – if anyone – will blink when it comes to the shutdown vs. extender battle on Monday.

UPDATE: The Senate Democrats spokesman, Austin Shafran, sent out this response:

“Working with the Assembly and Governor, we have made the smart cuts and tough choices necessary to reach the final stages of a budget New Yorkers can afford.”

“While having not seen the Executive’s bill, we will continue negotiations, meet our obligation and pass a fair budget by Monday.”

According to the AP, the extender will include a cap on school and local government property taxes, a smaller restoration to school aid than sought by the Assembly, and several tax and revenue producers tied to school aid.

As Paterson pledged, the plan he will submit will eliminate the $9.2 billion deficit.

It will contain: The elimination of the 4 percent sales tax on clothing and shoes worth less than $110, the SUNY reform plan plus an increase in TAP, and wine in grocery stores.

UPDATE2: Here’s Silver’s statement:

“My Assembly colleagues and I are working with the Senate and the Executive to complete the state budget. We recognize that New York faces extraordinary fiscal challenges, and that this budget will include billions in cuts.”

“However, we are committed to sparing our schools from the most devastating cuts, ensuring that our higher education system remains accessible to all New Yorkers, and providing much-needed property tax relief. We are also committed to acting responsibly to complete this process and to continue the operations of government.”

Share|