ALBANY, NY — Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez today slammed Governor Kathy Hochul and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli following a video posted by State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt highlighting a staggering $72 million taxpayer-funded project to repair the exterior staircase at the New York State Capitol.
Hernandez contrasted the project’s cost with the Capitol’s historic interior staircase, which was originally constructed for approximately $1 million, according to Leader Ortt. He called the disparity a symbol of Albany’s reckless spending and lack of accountability.
“$72 million to fix a staircase is not just wasteful but offensive to every taxpayer in this state,” said Hernandez. “At a time when families are struggling to afford groceries, rent, and energy bills, Hochul is presiding over projects that defy common sense.”
Hernandez said the project underscores one-party rule and a broader pattern of unchecked spending, enabled by a Comptroller’s office that has failed to act as an independent watchdog.
“This is exactly why oversight matters,” Hernandez continued. “DiNapoli is supposed to be the taxpayers’ first line of defense, but instead he has become complacent and rubber-stamps every Democrat pet project that crosses his desk. When Democrats can spend $72 million on a staircase without serious scrutiny, something is fundamentally broken.”
Referencing Ortt’s remarks, Hernandez emphasized the real-world impact of such spending, noting that $72 million could fund critical infrastructure, public safety improvements, or local economic development projects across communities that have been neglected by Albany.
“That kind of money could transform entire regions of this state by fixing roads, supporting small businesses, or investing in schools,” Hernandez said. “It shows just how disconnected Albany has become from the people it’s supposed to serve.”
“If elected, I will never allow projects of this magnitude, waste New Yorkers’ hard earned money,” promised Hernandez.
Hernandez warned that these types of projects contribute to long-term fiscal instability and erode public trust in government.
“Taxpayers deserve a Comptroller who will ask tough questions and stop waste before it happens,” Hernandez added. “As Comptroller, I will aggressively audit wasteful projects, demand transparency in state contracting, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.”