Stormy forecast for NY's fiscal future

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - Wednesday is shaping up to be a stormy day in the state capitol. Governor David Paterson will deliver his State of the State address, and the forecast for New York's fiscal future is very dark.

His executive budget paints a sobering picture of the State of New York and Paterson's address on Wednesday will only confirm what New Yorkers already know, the state is in trouble, and we're all going to pay for it, with over four billion dollars in increased taxes and fees.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins said, "I think what it means is we will be providing less services next year."

Collins says he expects to get 20 million dollars less from the state...translation? 

Collins said, "In some cases we may just have to eliminate some of those programs."

James Ostrowski said, "Good, cut 'em! We can't afford big government anymore."

James Ostrowski is a political blogger who is critical of David Paterson and many state programs, including those that give tax breaks to businesses.

Ostrowski said, "We shouldn't have empire zones at all. We should have a uniform rate of taxation."

Businesses are going to take a hit under the governor's plan, with more taxes.

Ken Adams said, "For maybe six billion in new taxes on businesses in a tough economic climate and we think that's the wrong way to go."

Nine buses carrying workers from Service Employees International Union, American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees and other unions will take off first thing Wednesday morning. They'll join ten thousand union workers from across the state to march at the state capital. They say they're "marching for Main Street" because the governor's budget hurts the middle class. 

Lynn Miller (Civil Service Employees Union, western regions) said, "It's going to hurt all working people throughout the state and it's just not a good proposal and there's better ways he can handle the crisis."

Ostrowski says unions are part of the problem.

Ostrowski said, "The cost of living is too high because the cost of government is too high."

You can see live streaming video of the governor's address in Albany at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday on our website, WIVB.com.

The governor is hoping for a national economic stimulus package, which could bring billions to New York to help with the bulging deficit. Paterson is hoping to have his budget by March. The state legislature has to approve it first.

And the state's budget trouble may take a toll on the Empire State Games. Organizers fear that funding may be cut for the annual amateur sports competition. Some events may be scaled back, while the athletes may be charged an entry fee.