The most concrete fiscal proposal at the state level so far this year, the Governor's recommended budget, cuts back the funds to clean up the Sound.

For instance, he said, SUNY students must understand that his fiscal proposals "give them a chance to get a job in New York."

But taxes are not leveling off, and the local school board has had to face taxpayer criticism of budgets and other fiscal proposals.

In a February, 2001, hearing devoted to the fiscal proposals of the recently elected George W. Bush, Ryan said, "I like my porridge hot.

High hopes were dashed for new library services, improved school buildings, richer arts programs and other items included in the original fiscal proposal.

Mr. Pataki also reminded the leaders of the Democratic-controlled Assembly that he plans to lobby Democratic lawmakers individually to support his fiscal proposals.

One fiscal proposal seems almost a certainty: Congress and Mr. Clinton both want to cut taxes for families with children, probably through a $500-per-child credit that shrinks as a family's income rises.

The 12 yes votes were required to waive the usual two-week waiting period on fiscal proposals.

But Mr. Gulotta suggested his fiscal proposal was worth the wait.

One of his two fiscal proposals, a value-added tax, is regressive, bearing most heavily on low- and moderate-income families.