State Senate Republicans are pushing back on a $10 million “slush fund” that was snuck into the Empire State’s budget – and could be used to pay Attorney General Tish James’ legal bills as she’s facing a criminal probe.
The GOP urged state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to reject using the money in a letter, not mentioning James by name but quoting the Democrat’s own comments as she sought to prosecute President Trump.
“This proposed use of public money is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars,” said the letter, which was signed by Senate GOP Minority Leader Robert Ortt and 21 other Republicans.
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“It undermines public trust in government and sends a troubling message that elected officials and state employees are entitled to a publicly-funded legal defense, even for matters entirely disconnected from their public responsibilities.
“As someone once said, no one is above the law,” the letter sent, parroting a phrase used by the attorney general, who is now under investigation by Trump’s Department of Justice.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and fellow Democrats in the state legislature creed the fund, which allows top government officials to use the fund to pay for “any reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred” if they are under federal scrutiny “after Jan. 1, 2025” – as Trump was set to return to office for a second term.
A spokesperson for DiNapoli confirmed receiving the letter but had no further comment.
This is a developing story.
