NY Minute: Paterson legislation would give governors more budget power

Also: This week's budget extender will include tobacco taxes.

Mike Groll / The Associated PressNew York Gov. David Paterson speaks during a legislative leaders budget meeting June 9. Paterson has proposed legislation that give future governors sweeping new powers to rescue state budgets from deficits.

From The Buffalo News:
ALBANY — Future New York governors would have sweeping new powers to rescue state budgets from deficits while a hodge-podge of gimmicks used to mask financial shortfalls would be restricted under legislation proposed this weekend by Gov. David A. Paterson.
The governor and lawmakers would be required to not only legally certify that an adopted budget has been legitimately balanced, but that the state's finances stay in balance during the year according to strict accounting rules.
» Read the full story: Paterson pushing plan for governors to have more power over budget

Also:

» This week’s budget extender will include tobacco taxes [Capitol Confidential / Albany Times-Union]

» Litmus test in primary for NY attorney general: overhauled drug laws [The New York Times]

» 'Crybaby' Ravitch skips Cabinet powwows, too [New York Post]