GOvernor Paterson releases his 2009-2010 state budget a month early, trying to resolve a $12 billion state budget deficit. His is proposing big cuts in payments to hospitals and nursing home; more than $4 billion in various forms of taxes (e.g., an anti-obesity tax on soda) but not a income tax hike on the rich; a slowdown in increased spending on education; eliminatin of the STAR rebate program on property taxes; elimination of 5000 state jobs; and a hike in state welfare benefits. The Governor would also impose a sales tax on clothing under $110.