Welcome to Albany, Andrew Cuomo!

According to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office, the current-year budget deficit is a lot bigger than the $350 million estimated by Gov. David Paterson’s Budget Division, and is likely closer to $1 billion. NY1′s Erin Billups reports.

Deputy Comptroller for the Office of Budget and Policy Analysis Tom Nitido also revealed at a “quick start” budget hearing this morning that DiNapoli’s office believes next year’s budget hole is closer to $9.5 billion dollars, which is about $500 million (fixed) more than the administration’s number.

“We’re not convinced revenue will increase at the rate they believe revenue is going to increase,” Nitido said.

“For the rest of the year revenue has to grow in excess of 10 percent in order to meet plan and we just think that’s an aggressive assumption.”

Nitido would not go as far as to say the Legislature needs to come back before the end of the year to address the problem. Paterson had called a special session for today, but then backed off that plan when it became clear the Senate would be embroiled in a recount battle for at least the immediate future.

Paterson is now expected to call the lame duck session on Nov. 29.

Even if the Legislature does return, it’s not expected to get much done. (To be honest, it’s hard to see what the incentive would be for some of the state lawmakers who won’t be returning in January to drag themselves up to Albany for a special session – unless it’s to clean out their offices).

The DOB and DiNapoli’s office are currently at odds over the exact size of this year’s budget chasm, but state Budget Director Robert Megna said the discrepancy could be the result of something as simple as looking at business tax receipts on different days.

There is, however, on the fact the state’s spending is projected to jump significantly next year when federal stimulus funds for Medicaid and education run out. School aid and Medicaid increases are expected to exceed revenue growth.

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