State GOP senators propose tax cuts

The GOP plan also would increase tax credits for children and child care, as well as for other dependents. Skelos said the package, combined with an earlier GOP call to eliminate certain utility taxes, would cost more than $2 billion. Asked how the state would pay for it, Skelos pointed to $2.5 billion in discretionary spending he says Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo proposed in the budget.

"This will be part of our negotiations with the governor and Assembly," Skelos said. "This is our priority."

Cuomo met with legislative leaders Monday afternoon but no agreements were reached. The governor said there was "wiggle room" in the budget for various proposals. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) has called for using some discretionary money for restoring New York City education aid and Cuomo's proposed cuts to programs for the developmentally disabled.

The state budget deadline is April 1. But because of the Legislature's scheduled recess to accommodate the Easter and Passover break, lawmakers are aiming to finish by March 21.