ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Governor Paterson has convened an all-star team of economists and other experts to discuss the state's budget deficit.

The members of Paterson's Council of Economic Advisors includes former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin and economist Joseph Stiglitz, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize.

The 18-member council gathered a day before tomorrow's special session of the state Legislature. Paterson has called lawmakers back to Albany to tackle the state's deficit crisis.

Meanwhile, a new statewide poll finds that most New Yorkers aren't optimistic the Legislature will accomplish much during the special session.

The Siena Research Institute poll finds that 55 percent of New York voters say that they are not confident or very confident their elected leaders will address the problem this year.