After state lawmakers narrowly avoided a government shut down earlier this week, Governor David Paterson is trying to avoid a similar scare next week.

The governor says he will send the transportation, public safety and economic development budget bills to the state Legislature for a vote this week.

He is hoping to avoid including those items in the emergency budget extenders that lawmakers have been passing to keep the state afloat.

“I would like legislature to pass these bills during this week so as to try and avoid problem with next week’s emergency appropriation,” said Paterson.

“We’re getting close, the momentum is there and we look to close it very soon,” said Democratic Senate Conference Leader John Sampson.

Passing budget plans for economic development, transportation and public safety would allow lawmakers to focus on more contentious education cuts, which have yet to be resolved.

(Source: NY1)