Vallley Stream, NY - December 13, 2024 - In response to the Governor's veto of S.9171/A.10281, Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages (D-Elmont) released the following statement:

“I am deeply disappointed by the Governor’s decision to veto the Comptroller Oversight and Transparency Bill (S.9171 Cooney / A.10281 Solages), as this legislation represented a critical opportunity to increase accountability in state contracting.

Introduced at the request of Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the bill would have required state entities to publicly post contracts exempted from Comptroller review, whether through executive orders or legislative actions. This commonsense measure was designed to provide the public and press with greater access to vital information about state spending, addressing gaps in transparency that became evident during the COVID-19 emergency period.

The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are being spent, especially in times of crisis, and this bill would have been an important step toward restoring trust and accountability in state government.

Transparency and accountability are not optional — they are the foundation of good governance. I remain committed to advancing policies that ensure New Yorkers have confidence in how public funds are spent.”