NYS Senate Republicans: Comptroller DiNapoli Must Reject Democrats Legal Defense Slush Fund, Repeal Burdensome Congestion Pricing, Audit MTA
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NYS Senate Republicans: Comptroller DiNapoli Must Reject Democrats Legal Defense Slush Fund, Repeal Burdensome Congestion Pricing, Audit MTA
Editor’s note: Most of Staten Island’s politicians, including BP Fossella, Asm. Pirozzolo, and Rep. Malliotakis are very much opposed to congestion pricing, as are many New Jersey politicians. A recent executive action has called the program into question. These new tolls will have a disproportionate negative effect on Islanders and Jerseyans, both of which locations have limited public transit options to travel to the city. At the same time, many people who work in Manhattan live on Staten Island and in New Jersey. This new tolling is causing financial strain for these residents.
SENATE REPUBLICANS CALL ON COMPTROLLER DINAPOLI TO REJECT DEMOCRATS CREATION OF A LEGAL DEFENSE SLUSH FUND FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS
Senate Republicans send letter to Comptroller DiNapoli to stop the madness
(ALBANY, NY) – On the heels of New York State Democrats passing a budget that includes $254 billion in spending, Democrats tucked away 10 million taxpayer dollars into a slush fund to cover the private legal bills for politicians in Albany. The Senate Republican conference penned a letter to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli urging him to protect taxpayers of the State by refusing to issue payments from the slush fund.
The letter states, “We write to express our strong opposition to the $10 million appropriation included in the 2025-26 State Operations Budget Bill, which would allow taxpayer funds to be used for payment or reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and related expenses for state employees involved in federal investigations unrelated to their official duties.”
“Democrats in New York aren’t fooling anybody. Creating a slush fund for the private legal defense of elected officials or public employees for alleged crimes unrelated to their public duties is beyond the pale. We are calling this out for what it is – a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. Our letter is asking the State Comptroller to step in and do what is right because I can assure you New Yorkers will not forget this” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“In yet another slap in the face of hard-working New Yorkers, Governor Hochul and New York democrats are going to use your money to pay for lawyers to represent themselves when they commit crimes. “Government by and for the people” is sadly being replaced by “government for the government” in New York,” stated Senate Deputy Leader Andrew Lanza.
“In a long line of irresponsible actions coming out of Albany, this one takes irresponsibility to a new level. New York State taxpayers are already the most overburdened taxpayers in America and now Albany Democrats want to give elected officials a new multi-million-dollar, taxpayer-funded slush fund to cover private legal expenses. The State Comptroller should immediately reject any use of it,” stated Senator Tom O’Mara, ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.
“My constituents elected me because they believe in good government. This policy doesn’t reflect that principle. I cannot, in good conscience, support a measure that allows taxpayer dollars to be used for elected officials’ private legal expenses. Frankly, it’s baffling that anyone thinks this is a good idea,” stated Senator Bill Weber, ranking member of the Senate Budget and Revenue Committee.
“The appropriation’s language opens the door to ongoing, unchecked public spending on private legal matters that have no connection to state employment. Such an arrangement is not only offensive to the principles of public accountability but may also raise serious constitutional concerns.
The appropriation explicitly states: “Attorneys’ fees and expenses shall be paid by the State to the employee or the employee’s private counsel from time to time during the pendency of the Process and upon the audit and warrant of the Comptroller.”
We urge you, in the strongest terms, to refuse to warrant any payments under this appropriation. Upholding the integrity of our state government and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars demands no less. As someone once said, no one is above the law,” concluded the letter.
Democrats in New York continue to use taxpayers as piggybank to save their skin. Creating a legal slush fund only for the benefit of Albany politicians is an abuse. Hardworking taxpayers want their tax dollars spent on essential government services, not on politicians’ legal fees. This is Albany corruption at its worst, giving political insiders a blank check while working families foot the bill.
DEMOCRATS BLOCK MEASURE TO REPEAL CONGESTION PRICING AND AUDIT THE MTA
Legislation Would Remove Burdensome Tax, Restore Accountability
(ALBANY, NY) – Democrat members of the Senate Committee on Transportation today blocked legislation sponsored by Senator Jack Martins to repeal congestion pricing and audit the MTA. The bill was placed on the agenda per a motion for committee consideration made by Senator Martins, and voted down by Senate Democrats.
The bill (S.533) would have put an end to congestion pricing – the punitive tax levied on drivers coming into Manhattan – and also required an audit of the MTA in an effort to restore fiscal sanity, transparency, and accountability to the historically mismanaged agency.
“This bill would have eliminated congestion pricing once and for all, while also requiring the MTA to undergo an independent audit. It is simple and straightforward. While it is disappointing that the bill did not make it out of committee, I appreciate the bipartisan support the legislation received from members of the MTA region. Rest assured, we will continue to work to increase transparency and reduce costs for Long Islanders,” said Senator Jack M. Martins.
“Senate Democrats had the opportunity to stand with New Yorkers by supporting a full repeal of congestion pricing and demanding real accountability from the MTA—but they chose to protect a broken and bloated system instead. Congestion pricing is nothing more than a tax on commuters, small businesses, and families who have no other option. Repealing it and auditing the MTA isn’t partisan—it’s common sense,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri–Fitzpatrick.
“Senate democrats had a chance to vote to end the congestion pricing tax scam this morning but instead sided with the elitist and corrupt MTA against hard working New Yorkers,” said Deputy Republican Leader Andrew Lanza.
“Once again, the Senate Democrats are standing in the way of common sense and fiscal responsibility. By not allowing this bill to move forward, the Democrats are content to continue to hit New Yorkers in the pocketbook to fund the MTA, without any demand for fiscal accountability,” said Senator Dean Murray.
This legislation is critical to restoring needed transparency and fiscal accountability to the MTA, while providing residents and commuters with needed relief. The defeat of this bill is a clear indication that Albany is unwilling to hold the MTA accountable and would rather find new ways to fund the mismanaged authority on the backs of already hard pressed Long Islanders,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo.
“This legislation offered a real, actionable path to expose where the billions sent to the MTA are going—and Senate Democrats killed it to protect the status quo. Every vote against this commonsense bill is a vote for deception, waste, and corruption. Congestion pricing is a shameless cash grab that punishes everyday New Yorkers—parents taking their kids to doctor appointments, families enjoying a day in the city, first responders, and union workers who keep the city running. The message from Albany Democrats is clear: they’d rather side with a mismanaged bureaucracy than fight for transparency, accountability, and relief for hardworking commuters,” said Senator Steve Rhoads.
“It’s outrageous that Albany Democrats continue to stand behind congestion pricing, despite the financial harm it causes many New Yorkers, including residents of my district. If the MTA truly had its house in order, as it claims, it would welcome an audit. Kudos to my colleague Senator Jack Martins for standing up for transparency and responsible government. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for those who rejected these commonsense measures today,” said Senator Bill Weber.
Image Credit: Justice. Image Credit – Wesley Tingey
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