MR. CUOMO'S BUDGET.(Main)

As he did in 1983, Governor Cuomo is proposing painful remedies to close a gaping state budget deficit. Hundreds of state workers stand to lose their jobs. Localities might have to make up lost aid by raising local taxes, and nearly every state resident would have to pay more in fees and taxes, including Medicaid patients.

Unlike his first budget, though, Mr. Cuomo could balance the books with less discomfort by merely postponing a tax cut approved during better times. Yet he rightly resists that easy option, despite pleas from some lawmakers and special interest groups. The reason? He fears sending the wrong signal to business that New York isn't serious about changing its high-tax …