Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos told reporters Tuesday that he would love to sit down with Governor Andrew Cuomo to speak about the budget. Less than 24 hours later, Cuomo called a three way meeting with the majority conference legislative leaders. Our Erin Billups has more about where things now stand.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- "Right now, it's looking like it's working much better than it's ever worked before," said Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Despite a $10 billion deficit and massive cuts proposed for school aid, social programs and health care, legislative leaders and the Governor say they're on track to have an on time budget.

"Maybe we'll even shock you by a few days," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

The legislature kicked off its meetings to hash out differences in the budget Tuesday night and could be wrapping that process up soon.

"It's our hope within the next day that we can close down either three or four of the conference committees and really get the momentum going," said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.

Many at the Capitol have commented over the smoothness of this budget process. There's relatively little pushback from special interest groups and minor differences between the Governor's and legislature's budget plans.

After meeting privately with the Governor Wednesday, legislative leaders say it's because Cuomo's governing method is working, so far.

"The tone that has been set, one of civility, I think that's incredibly important," Skelos said.

"This governor has recognized the role of the legislature in the budget process and has worked with the legislature to keep us on a timely schedule," Silver said.

Disagreements center over a proposed cap on medical malpractice awards and restoring funding to school districts. The Governor says there is flexibility, with the exception of taxing millionaires.

"Can there be adjustments to the budget? Of course," Cuomo said.

While everything may seem rosy right now, the massive cutbacks are a hard message for rank and file lawmakers to take home to their districts. Several are hoping adjustments can be made to help them fund projects in their areas.

While Skelos says it's not on their agenda…

"I don't think it would be appropriate to have member items in this budget," Skelos said.

…The Governor says there are many options available.

"I'm not ruling anything in, I'm not ruling anything out," Cuomo said.

Even with all the collegial talk Governor Cuomo said he is prepared to force the legislature to vote on his spending plan, by threat of a government shutdown, if a three-way agreement is not reached by the April 1st deadline.