Paterson orders state agencies to trim $500 million in spending

The Central NY Business Journal reported Gov. David Paterson today directed state agencies to cut $500 million in current-year spending.

The action represents a reduction of about 11 percent in each agency's 2009-2010 non-personal services budget.

Those budgets cover all operating costs outside salaries and benefits. The expenses include travel, vehicles, leases, energy, postage, consultant contracts, and equipment.

Paterson also recommended that commissioners turn to more employee attrition and severance payments, beyond those assumed in their work-force reduction plans, to lower payroll costs.