Earlier today, the New York State Senate motioned to take up Senate bill 3984, which is focused on increasing the oversight and transparency of state contracts and projects. In the wake of the Buffalo Billion indictments and the controversy surrounding START-UP NY, S.3984 would grant the State Comptroller an expanded role in overseeing the state’s use of taxpayer money. It would also strengthen ethical requirements for state procurement officials and vendors and impose penalties if these ethical requirements are violated.

“Today, the Senate continued its work toward transparency and accountability, and took up bill S.3984. This legislation will enhance the State Comptroller’s oversight of taxpayer-funded contracts, and grant him more power to hold bad actors accountable. While the governor has said that his work in Albany is complete, mine is not, and the Assembly should replicate the efforts being put forth by the Senate.”