No raises in Paterson's emergency spending plan

The Associated Press is reporting that Governor David Paterson will not include scheduled four percent raises for union employees in his emergency spending plan:

"A state official says Gov. David Paterson won't include scheduled 4-percent raises for unionized public employees in a new emergency spending bill.

The emergency spending would take effect next week if the Legislature and governor have no agreement on a budget, which has been overdue since April 1.

The administration official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the action hasn't yet been announced.

Union leaders have rejected Paterson's requests for concessions to save the state money as it faces a $9.2 billion deficit in the continuing fiscal crisis.

Paterson had included $250 million in union concessions in his proposed 2010-11 budget, but so far has secured none.

The raises could be restored in an adopted budget or in subsequent emergency spending."