(AP) - With the state drowning in deepening deficitspending and running out of cash to pay huge bills dues next month,New York's Legislature is poised to put off what Gov. DavidPaterson called the "tough decisions to save our state."

The Legislature was asked to act on Paterson's Oct. 15 plan toreduce the $3.2 billion deficit, including politically dicey cutsto schools and health care. Instead, the Senate and Assemblyconvened briefly as required by Paterson's call for anextraordinary session. The Senate met for a half-hour mostly spenthonoring members who are veterans. The Assembly met for twominutes. Then both chambers returned to closed-door sessions.

All sides say no deals are close, although they are ready toseek agreement on another special session next week or in December.