On the final day of the year, Governor Hochul signed S6809a/A7925 to restore the state comptroller’s authority to review and approve contracts, restoring government oversight that was rolled back by former Governor Cuomo.
Bill sponsor Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick remarked, “Taxpayers deserve to have confidence that their money is being well spent, and oversight of state contracts is a crucial safeguard to fraud and waste. I commend Governor Hochul for taking this important step toward charting a new course towards a more transparent and open government. I sponsored this bill to restore the state comptroller’s authority to review and approve contracts before the money goes out the door, and ensure we’re all getting a good deal.”
Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski said, “This law was supported by so many good government advocates and editorial boards because it protects taxpayers and fights fraud. The State Comptroller is New York’s chief fiscal watchdog and he will now have more authority to ensure public money is protected.”
In a statement from Comptroller DiNapoli applauding the Governor for signing the bill, he expressed appreciation to the bill sponsors, “I also want to thank Sen. Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblyman Zebrowski for their leadership on restoring oversight and transparency of state spending. I want to thank the good government groups and others who fought so hard to restore our oversight. This is a win for good government and taxpayers.”
The final version of the bill reflects modest amendments agreed to by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and the Governor’s office, and both Senator Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski who sponsored the bill in their respective chambers.