Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled a proposed 2011-2012 Executive Budget that eliminates a $10 billion dollar deficit without raising taxes or borrowing, noting in a pre-speech press release that, "New York is at a crossroads, and we must seize this opportunity, make hard choices and set our state on a new path toward prosperity... This budget achieves real, year-to-year savings while restructuring the way we manage our state government." He particularly targeted high expenditures and low results for education and healthcare and highlighted "process" as the key area for reform. "More funds does not mean better healthcare, or better schools or better programs. The changes must start with a look at the programs: do they work for the patient, the student, or the New Yorker... In order to lead by example, we have made the largest percentage cuts in state operations reducing general fund spending by 10 percent. Though there is much pain to go around, this decision spares local governments the worst of the budget cuts."

More on reactions to the budget, and a look into its specifics, after the Governor has been given the opportunity to present the biggest element in his new agenda himself at The Egg in Albany, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Feb. 1...