ALBANY — Gov. Paterson defended talk of another pension fund-stretching offer of early retirement yesterday as a reasonable way to trim the state’s payroll.

Paterson shrugged off the long-term costs of allowing some state employees to draw pension checks early — an idea administration officials recently floated during labor talks.

“It would have an effect long-term on the pension fund, but we’re day-to-day here,” Paterson told reporters.

“We’re trying to balance a budget. Sometimes the government’s priority is the immediate priority.”

Paterson has asked state employee unions to accept $250 million in givebacks in an effort to close an estimated $9.2 billion budget deficit.

Yesterday, Paterson signed into law a $15.8 million plan to allow public school teachers outside the city to retire early. The offer was tied to the Legislature’s approval last year of a new, less generous tier for pensions.