Gov. Paterson warned Thursday that charities will have to pick up much of the burden while the state deals with its fiscal crisis.

“The grim reality is that we are going to have to make some very serious and severe cuts to our budget,” Paterson told the UJA-Federation of Jewish Business Leaders at the Russian Tea Room.

“Charitable organizations that go into the trenches and help people in difficult times are going to become the replacement for what government is supposed to do.”

Told of Paterson’s comments, Karen Schimke, president of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, said: “That’s what Ronald Reagan said, too.”

Schimke called it a “Catch-22″ situation, since many charities are funded by foundations and other groups that make their money on Wall Street.

Mark Dunlea, executive director of the Hunger Action Network of New York State, said charities understand they’ll have to work harder, but their resources are limited.

“The reality is that charities, especially emergency food programs, are already stretched beyond the breaking point,” Dunlea said. “There isn’t more to give.”

Paterson this week said the state faces a $1.5 billion deficit this year, a $12.5 billion deficit next year, and a whopping $47 billion short-fall over the next four years combined.

He insisted he does not want to raise taxes.

“We have to go through our budget and find areas for which we are going to have to curtail government support. It is the only way we are going to get out of this crisis.”

The governor, who weeks ago questioned whether the Legislature understands the gravity of the state’s financial problems, said even some of his commissioners don’t get it.

“Three commissioners called me in the last two days to tell me they need a total of $7 million – and it was hard to tell them you have reached the wrong office,” Paterson said.

“It’s hard enough to get the public to understand but when your own commissioners don’t get it …”

Paterson’s aides wouldn’t reveal the identities of the commissioners.

Source: NY Daily News