Governor delays projects and school aid

ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - The state budget crisis is forcing Governor David Paterson to suspend construction projects and delay school aid payments.

The state budget crisis is forcing Governor David Paterson to suspend hundreds of current and new road construction projects. A spokesperson says all projects not paid for by federal economic stimulus funds will be on hold until a budget is passed and that won't happen until at least April 7th because lawmakers have gone home for Easter and Passover. Assemblyman Sam Hoyt's office tells News 4 only a few small landscaping projects here in western New York are affected.

Governor Paterson also says he has no choice but to delay more than $2 billion in school aid payments. Those payments would have been due on Wednesday, but because Albany is short on money, school districts will have to wait, possibly until June.

Thousands of teachers stand to lose their jobs as the state budget axe falls, but a new report says New York public schools have dramatically increased hiring even as enrollment has dropped. The Empire Center says public schools hired almost 15,000 teachers over the last ten years while enrollment dropped by more than 120,000 students.