Assembly passes budget plan; rejects sale of wine in grocery stores

ALBANY, N.Y. (WKTV) - The New York State Assembly has passed their budget plan and they are in agreement with the senate on a number of key issues. The governor, however, disagrees with both on some of those main points.

Multimedia Watch The Video The assembly plan includes $4.3 billion in spending cuts and also rejects roughly $1 billion in new taxes and fees. In it, the assembly rejects the governor's proposal to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, a move that has liquor store owners rejoicing, for now.

"At this point I'm very encouraged... "on the governor's budget," says City Liquors owner Kevin Hughes. The governor can veto any changes the senate and assembly make to his budget, but the senate and assembly can override a gubernatorial veto with a two thirds majority.

"Certainly we're disappointed; this is what people have said they want," says Mona Golub, Vice President of Consumer Services and Public Relations for area Price Chopper stores.

The Senate and Assembly are also in agreement with regard to restoring $11 million out of $15 million to state parks and historic sites- - money cut by governor Paterson.

The governor has said the budget will not be passed by the April 1st deadline.