By Heather Grossmann
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Gov. David Paterson released the state's 2010-2011 budget Tuesday, which includes a $1.1 billion reduction in school aid and a tax on cigarettes and soft drinks.
The $134 billion proposal would also decrease spending on health care programs by $1 billion.
"The mistakes of the past – squandering surpluses, papering over deficits, relying on irresponsible fiscal gimmicks to finance unsustainable spending increases – have led us to a financial breaking point," Paterson said in a letter introducing the budget.
"Given the gravity of the current situation, there is simply no other option if we want to end New York’s irresponsible pattern of boom and bust cycle budgeting," the governor's letter reads.
Cigarette taxes will be raised $1, for a total of $3.75 in state taxes, and soft drinks will be taxed at a penny an ounce.
