JOHNSTOWN–David Paterson wasn't optimistic that state aid will be available for Michael Bloomberg's proposed budget, which seeks to bridge a $4 billion deficit.
"I know the mayor will hear cries for restorations himself from some of the places in New York City that he will cut, and will have to, in some instances, say that 'we wish we could, but we can't,'" Paterson said. "Which is what, in some instances, we'll have to say to the city."
But Paterson did hold out hope that Bloomberg would see a chunk of federal money that would eliminate some of the need for proposed layoffs.
"A lot of the stimulus money for education could save some of the jobs in the teaching profession," Paterson said. "I don't know if it's quite 14,000, which is the number he gave…I'll check. But all of us are having to make cuts and those who are the recipients of the cuts, even though they are cutting as well, are rightfully annoyed."
