New York state is using taxpayer funds to reimburse the legal costs of former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was accused but not convicted of multiple crimes, Politico reported Tuesday.
Mr. Cuomo resigned in disgrace after Democratic Attorney General Letitia James announced his presidential bid in 2021. report Multiple sexual harassment allegations against him were substantiated, prompting the Democratic-led New York state legislature to begin impeachment proceedings. Refunds are required under state law if charges against elected officials fail, Politico reported. report. (Related: Comeback: Disgraced former New York governor plans to launch podcast and PAC)
According to Politico, the New York State Comptroller's Office has already paid $565,000 to Cuomo's campaign. He will receive millions of dollars from the state to cover some of the $6.9 million he has spent in legal costs amid criminal proceedings and a public investigation in 2021 and beyond.
Anyone who says we don't have a problem with anti-Semitism doesn't live in the real world.
Government job number one is public safety. We must do more.
We talked about this and the immigration crisis. @Rosanna Scott upon @fox5ny
Read the full conversation here:https://t.co/Q0UeCPXrcY pic.twitter.com/Hm3Efofwhg
— Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) November 14, 2023
Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo's longtime spokesperson, said, “Tish James and her eagerness to hammer out the 'A' in the title 'Aspirational Governor' ultimately cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. “I want you to remember that it was a sacrifice for the dollar.” To Politico. “She created a false political report that cost her her gubernatorial campaign. It's unfortunate that taxpayers are flipping charges of her abuse of power.”
Mr. Cuomo's use of taxpayer funds as reimbursement has drawn opposition from state lawmakers who want to repeal the law.Two repeal bills introduced in New York state assembly and senate Although it has not yet passed the state legislature in 2023.
“[I]“It is wrong for taxpayers to reimburse political committees for personal legal defense,” said Democratic Senate Vice President Mike Gianaris, a co-sponsor of the state Senate repeal bill. “We need to change the law to ban it.”
The only criminal charge filed against Cuomo is a misdemeanor for forcible touching. was fired A judge will issue a judgment in January 2023 based on factual defects. Several state prosecutors did not indict Cuomo in other jurisdictions where he allegedly committed crimes. criticized This is because New York state law imposes a significant burden on those willing to file sexual harassment complaints.
Mr. Cuomo has reportedly indicated his intention to return to politics, including by running for mayor of New York. His political organization currently has $7.8 million in reserve, according to Politico.
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