And so the wheel continues to spin: the Times-Union reports that governor Paterson wants to slash 6% of the state's executive workforce, about 8,900 jobs in toto. The move would save $481 million over two years, and supposedly help the state fix its projected $16.2bn budget deficit.

The move came hours after Democratic leaders said the state budget deficit had grown to $16.2 billion, $2.2 billion more than earlier estimates.

"This is not a decision that has been reached lightly," warned a message sent to agency heads Tuesday from Dennis Whalen, Paterson's director of state operations. The cuts are designed to save $481 million over two years.

Malcolm Smith came out in support of Paterson, but notably softer than the Executive Chamber.

We urge the union leadership who represent the public sector workforce to step up and renegotiate a fair agreement that is consistent with the principle of shared sacrifice all New Yorkers must accept during times of economic distress. Public employees are among the most vital contributors to our workforce, but at the same time, they must also be our partners as we strive to change the structure of our state’s budget and get New York’s economy back on track.

What remains off the table, apparently, are any increases in tax rates for the state's most well-off citizens. This in spite of yesterday's appeal by top earners to raise their taxes.

I really wonder sometimes just how much David Paterson must hate his job.