WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Paterson calls for session on budget, gay marriage

Paterson calls for session on budget, gay marriage

Associated Press - November 5, 2009 3:35 PM ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Gov. David Paterson is calling the Legislature back to Albany for a special session to cut the budget and possibly vote on legalizing same-sex marriage.

Paterson wants the Senate to give final legislative approval to same-sex marriage. But there's no guarantee there are enough votes to carry the measure, which has already passed in the Assembly.

While the Legislature must attend the extraordinary session called by Paterson for Tuesday, lawmakers don't have to act on his agenda.

That agenda includes addressing a deficit of more than $3 billion with midyear cuts to school aid and health care, among other measures.

The Democrat also wants lawmakers to consider long-sought reform of public authorities, a so-called "shadow government" that's been caught in several scandals.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.