Gov: NY must change way it does business

Gov. David Paterson has delivered an edict to commissioners of New York state agencies, directing them to submit a detailed plan to reduce spending.

Specifically, Paterson wants a rethinking on hiring, specifically saying only job openings absolutely essential are to be filled.

When he took over as governor in March, Paterson ordered a 3.35 percent cut in spending, totaling $800 million.

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The letter to the departments heads was sent out Monday, April 21 and gives each agency until May 16 to identify savings.

"In the current environment, complacency is unacceptable," Paterson wrote. "We must change the was the state does business and start leading the nation as an example of what is right in government."

The recently adopted New York state budget for fiscal 2008 adds up to $121.7 billion, sparking criticism. Though less than originally proposed, spending is up nearly 5 percent over last year.