HTN: Paterson to Address Crisis in Speech

Governor David Paterson will deliver his first State of the State address this afternoon from the state Legislature in Albany. The focus of the speech is expected to hone in on New York's ailing economy and its 15-billion-dollar budget deficit. Governor Paterson unveiled his fiscal plan last month to state lawmakers, which came five weeks ahead of schedule in an effort to narrow the state's budget gap. The State of the State address is traditionally delivered before the governor rolls out his priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

A group of state workers and others unhappy with Governor Paterson's budget proposal plan to make a lot of noise outside of the State Capitol during his state of the state speech. Organizers from CSEA, PEF, and other unions will gather for "The March For Main Street", walk to the State Capitol and rally outside in protest of reductions to school aid and tax and fee increases in Paterson's budget. The groups say the proposed budget will disproportionally impact middle class and low income New Yorkers. The state of the state address is scheduled for 1p.m.