This year, my colleagues and I in the Legislature cut state spending by $6 billion and were successful in calling for the elimination of a scandalous proposal by the New York Power Authority to increase rates while simultaneously handing out millions of dollars in bonuses to its employees. Actions such as this cannot be tolerated and I remain vigilant in ensuring that taxpayer money is being used in the best interest of all New Yorkers.
With over 800 public authorities currently operating throughout the state, largely without oversight, it remains a top priority of mine to begin consolidation and increase accountability in these authorities - which I believe will save taxpayers millions. In 2008, I stood up and took action against abusive actions of the Thruway Authority by:
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Exposing the wasteful spending and mismanagement of public money by Authority Board members;
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Holding certain board members accountable for improper compensation;
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Fighting against unnecessary toll hikes imposed by the Authority; and
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Passing legislation in the Assembly that aimed to immediately remove the current members of the Thruway Authority Board in order to put a new Board in place that would be more fiscally responsible, and effective to the needs of New Yorkers (A.10286).