Gov. David Paterson has started the lengthy process of vetoing the nearly 6,900 line items that the legislature added to their budget bills and has told them, in no uncertain terms, that he’s done negotiating.

Before beginning the arduous process of affixing his name to each of the budget items he’s rejecting, Paterson says he would accept a deal on a Medicaid contingency plan but he’s not stopping the vetoes to negotiate. He says that part of the process is finished.

“I’m not talking to them, ever,” Paterson says.

Paterson wants lawmakers to provide a contingency plan in case federal Medicaid funds (FMAP) don’t materialize, as well as a new plan for SUNY and CUNY and a 4 percent property tax cap.

The governor, in a well organized photo-op, then sat at a conference room table with several legal advisors, and began signing the vetoes.

“My third grade cursive writing teacher is rolling in her grave,” Paterson quipped, after signing several vetoes.

Paterson’s aides say he does not legally have to actually sign each document, and will likely stamp or initial some of them instead.