Gov. Cuomo Hears Bad News: N.Y. State Deficit May Double

Gov. Mario M. Cuomo’s budget director said Tuesday that New York state’s budget deficit in the next fiscal year could reach $3.6 billion, double previous estimates.

The news came as Cuomo, a Democrat, continued to ponder running for his party’s presidential nomination. He said Monday that he would skip a presidential bid if he had to make that decision before he could resolve New York’s budget problems.

The budget director, Patrick Bulgaro, said the deficit projection for fiscal 1992-93 could be double the $1.8 billion estimated in July. He blamed economic conditions nationwide.

“Regardless of what we’ve been hearing from the federal government, all the economic indicators have indicated a longer, deeper recession,” he said.

Cuomo, both before and after a public appearance in Schenectady, turned aside questions about the latest budget problems and his political intentions.

The governor and legislative leaders are trying to craft a multiyear budget plan that Cuomo advisers have said could make it easier for him to run for President.

Cuomo said Monday that he was under pressure to announce a decision about running.

“But,” he said, “if you have to rush your decision, and I don’t have a budget solution, then I would have to say no.”