Legislature heads home, having done nothing to close budget gap

ALBANY (AP) — 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 likely would 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.