The state Assembly will convene Tuesday in an emergency session to tackle the budget deficit.

Gov. David Paterson is calling on the government to cut its spending during hard economic times. In July, Paterson proposed $1 billion worth of cuts from the state?s budget. He asked the Assembly to try to cut at least $600 million.

Two budget-cutting proposals are being heavily scrutinized by Bronx residents. One calls for approximately $50 million in proposed cuts to CUNY funding. The other would slash $506 million in Medicaid funding. Many teachers say the cuts will mean fewer classes, fewer library books and less financial aid.

Health care workers have criticized the proposed cuts, saying they would devastate the state?s health care infrastructure. Bronx Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr., who is heading up to Albany, says he is worried about what the cuts will mean for patients.

Patersonseeks hiring freeze, spending cuts