US News

GOV. PATERSON THREATENS SENATORS’ PET PROJECTS

ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. David Paterson says he’s withholding the pork-barrel grants senators give out individually, citing their failure to go to work as he ordered for the fourth straight day.

With two evenly-divided factions disputing majority control of the chamber, senators met again on Friday in two consecutive sessions, the first attended by most of the Democrats in one faction, the second by most of the Republicans in the other. Neither side passed any legislation.

Paterson has ordered them back for sessions Saturday and Sunday, noting some critical financial measures on bonding, taxes and New York City school control need to be enacted by Tuesday.

Senators continue to say they are making progress in power-sharing talks and are criticizing Paterson for forcing them to meet.