The Republican candidate for New York state comptroller is threatening to sue Gov. Kathy Hochul.
It stems from language in the governor’s executive budget that’s currently under negotiation.
“I think there’s an opportunity to remove that language from the current budget,” said Joseph Hernandez. “If that happens, then you know, I’ll stand down. If it goes forward, then we will absolutely follow a suit the next day after that occurs.”
The language Hernandez is calling into question states the comptroller would only review state contracts if they exceed $300,000. Right now, that limit is about $50,000.
“So all contracts that are under $50,000 the comptroller technically does not need to audit or sign off on,” said Hernandez. “I think even that is unconstitutional because the constitution is incredibly clear.”
If the proposal is enacted, Hernandez said this could allow up to $3 billion in state contracts to move forward without independent review.
“This is an a-political position,” said Hernandez. “I think everyone wants, whether you’re Republican or Democrat, you want an oversight here in the financials of our state certainly where taxpayer dollars are involved.”
New York state Comptroller Tom Dinappoli’s office is also weighing in on this proposal, telling Capital Tonight: “We have actively and vocally opposed this proposal in the budget,” said Jennifer Freeman, spokesperson for the state comptroller’s office. “It would substantially erode oversight, undermine accountability, inhibit transparency and eliminate competition over billions in government contracts and public spending.”
Back in February a month after the governor’s executive budget was released, Dinappoli released a report on the State Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget where he also voiced his disapproval.
Capital Tonight reached out to the governor’s office for comment and has yet to to hear back.