NY lawmakers headed home, no deal on deficit

New York lawmakers are heading home without
agreement on how to address the state's fiscal crisis.

The Legislature was in session all week - at a cost of about
$70,000 a day - but couldn't agree on how to close this fiscal
year's $3.2 billion deficit. The Assembly, Senate and Gov. David
Paterson have been talking about steps that would likely have to
include cuts in spending on schools and health care, both protected
by powerful special interests.

Legislative leaders plan Thursday to continue negotiating in
private with Paterson. The goal is to return to Albany Monday and
pass a deficit reduction plan. They could convene earlier if a deal
is struck.

Paterson said Wednesday night he wasn't planning to compel
lawmakers to stay in Albany any longer because they were clearly
negotiating in good faith.