Paterson calls lawmakers for Nov. 29 special session

ALBANY - Gov. David A. Paterson Wednesday ordered lawmakers back to the Capitol on Nov. 29 for a special session to close this year's budget deficit and to tackle other issues.

The session replaces one scheduled for Nov. 15 that was canceled because of uncertainty over which political party will control the State Senate after Jan. 1.

Paterson said Wednesday, "There is still unfinished business that must be addressed before the end of the calendar year, which is why I am calling for an extraordinary session."

Officials are divided over the size of the 2010-11 deficit. Paterson's budget office projects the gap at $315 million while state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli estimates it to be $1 billion.

Paterson and Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo both have implored lawmakers to stanch the red ink by Dec. 31 because next year's budget deficit is forecast to be $9 billion. Governors can force lawmakers to return to Albany, but not compel them to act.

Paterson also wants the State Legislature to pass bills authorizing expenditures for education, labor and family assistance, reorganizing the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. and allocating additional federal school aid to prevent teacher layoffs. The Senate still must confirm more than 100 gubernatorial appointments.

Leaders of the legislature's Democratic majorities, through aides, said they would convene on Nov. 29.

"The Senate is prepared to come back and to work with the governor and Assembly to get the people's business done," said Austin Shafran, a spokesman for Democratic chief John Sampson of Brooklyn.