A standoff at the statehouse... Should we be surprised? At least this time, the legislature's dilemma is more sympathetic then a paralyzing power play based on greed. I can't fault my representatives for not wanting to make cuts to health care and education. And our governor shouldn't be criticized for demanding action.

I guess for me the troubling part of this is the fact that these guys need a long weekend. I know it's the sabbath and all tomorrow but if this is as pressing as Paterson says, he should force these guys to stay in Albany until a deal is struck. A little more forcefulness probably couldn't hurt his poll numbers as well.

As for our esteemed lawmakers-- you are there to make decisions, not to build political capital by sidestepping issues (see gay marriage) for as long as possible.

Governor Paterson is warning of furloughs, layoffs and delayed payments to local governments and schools if the Legislature doesn't agree to close the State's three-billion-dollar budget gap. Speaking in Albany today, Paterson also announced Moody's Investors Service is warning New York's credit rating could be downgraded unless the gap is closed soon.

For their part, lawmakers in the State Senate and Assembly took Friday off. After several unsuccessful days of negotiating during special sessions, lawmakers are due back Monday. Each session costs roughly 70,000 dollars to run.

Should lawmakers be working through the weekend to try to solve the fiscal crisis? How is Governor Paterson handling their inaction? Do you think New York State will see furloughs and layoffs, or is the threat a political poker chip?

Send your thoughts using the link above.

I feel Paterson is trying scare tactics to get the Senate and Assembly to work on the financial crisis. I feel the State is falling apart fiscally and although I don't think furloughs and layoffs are going to happen immediately I do feel that if things continue as is, it won't be too far off in the future.

Something has to give with the State's economy as well as the City's economy.

Jessica
Arden Heights

Paterson is playing around with these law makers! The GOP should take back the senate.

Dave
Queens

If it's to much of an inconvenience for all of them then give it up or fire all of them immediately. Where is his lordship in all of this? I also notice since his third term Wor doesn't announce his appearance for the Friday morning show.

Don't forget you can hear Mayor Mike on Friday morning at 8AM. What a joke. He got what he wanted and now he has become a phantom.

WE ALL KNOW THAT THEIR MOTTO IS TAX AND SPEND, SPEND, SPEND.

maxxiee
mp

Governor Paterson has to stop his sky is falling act and negotiate with lawmakers and broker a deal. It seems that Mr. Paterson only way of getting things done is through intransigence and hysterics. This is precisely the reason why we need new leadership in this state.

Felix
Bay Ridge

David Patterson should run for senate against Baron Rudolph Von Giuliani of Transylvania and the Andrew can segue into his job. We're really in trouble in this state.

John
Kissena Park

The legislators are playing with Paterson because they figure his term is over and he will not be Governor next year. The Governor should cut off all funding to the legislators. No money for their salaries, perks, staff, offices, etc. NY state would probably save a bundle of cash if the legislators were limited to only their salary and a salary for one secretary. They don't seem to be doing anything constructive for the people who elected them so why support them with our tax dollars.

Eddie from Brooklyn

DID YA NOTICE GOVERNOR PATERSON HAS A NEW DELIVERY? HE IS NO LONGER SOUNDING LIKE HE IS DELIVERING ONE LINERS WITH THE ANTICIPATION OF THE CYMBAL BEING HIT. TOO LATE. HE SOUNDS MORE LIKE A DR. SEUSS WANNABE RECITING HIS LINES ABOUT THE EXPLAINATION OF HIS RUN FOR GOVERNOR. DID HE UPDATE THE FUNDING FORMULA OF TRANSPORTATION LAW SECTION 18B? THAT WOULD BRING ANOTHER $400 MILLION INTO THE TRANSIT COFFERS. FAILURE TO DO SO IS JUST INCOMPETENCE. THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE LONG AGO!

JOE, BAY TERRACE

Why do part time legislators receive full time pay & benefits? We are in a crisis and the DEMOCRATS went home when MOODYS placed a stern warning today? Today is a work day for everybody else and these Senators are not in session...the arrogance!!

Johnny

Hi, John It is really quite simple that when family's make plans (capital project) like to buy a new car but then the money is short so we have to wait until the savings get better. So then the state and the city have to do the same thing. Stop on the capital projects use that money to fix the economy. The People of New York is doing it so can the government. the Special interest should be the people of New York.

Jeffrey, former Staten Islander

I believe that the Governor should look to reform the Medicaid system rather than make cuts to healthcare and education. Cut the peope that are abusing the system that should save millions.

via text message

Jon
Albany is full of incompetents. The legislator's are oblivious to the fact that they do not have the money to spend what they want. They should be working through the holiday, just as people in the state are trying to put food on their Thanksgiving table and trying to figure out how to pay for it. Lawmakers currently in Albany should be voted out.

Tom - Hells Kitchen

I truly hope that voters will remember the ills that our dysfunctional governor and state elected officials bestowed upon us when they go to the polls next year. It's time to retire all of them!

Liz, Rosedale

As far as I see it, Paterson should pack his bags and leave. After he cut Health Care Workers job I don't want to hear or see him. Paterson your favourite thing to do is laying off workers, why don't you do us a favour and lay off yourself, you are useless !

Ruthann, Queens

I'm not a political person at all, but all I DO know is this economy is getting worse by the minute and it's very scary. I wish the rich, with all due respect, would get honest and stop making the poor and middle class pay for their high life. Like Mario Puzo said in The Godfather "Behind every great fortune, there is a crime"! All major businesses at least, like the M.T.A. should be audited to see who needs to give up some of their money ill gotten. There IS money to ease this crisis but the wealthy with all their unchecked business are staying happy as long as no one messes with them. There are too many political favors going out to them unbeknownst to them. I'm NOT stupid and either are New Yorkers or the rest of the Country. We want politicians, Organizations, Agencies like Adult Protective Services, Corporations and businesses etc. to be honest and stop keeping us down and silenced with that mighty weapon called POVERTY. Adult Protective Services needs to be shut down as they violate the rights of the Elderly and others BIGTIME. Shutting down A.P.S. is a good place to start!

Victoria M. S., Queensbridge