ALBANY, NY — Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez today slammed State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for his stunning failure of leadership as Albany passed its eighth budget extender, nearly a month after the April 1 deadline.
Hernandez said the continued delays under Governor Kathy Hochul and a Democrat-led legislature are not accidental, but are enabling more spending and potential tax hikes to be negotiated behind closed doors.
“Eight budget extenders and a $254 billion proposal is how Albany quietly expands spending while avoiding accountability,” said Hernandez. “Every delay creates more room for backroom deals from the Democrats and more taxpayer dollars being spent.”
Hernandez noted that the lack of oversight from the Comptroller’s office is deeply concerning, arguing that New Yorkers deserve transparency as the budget continues to grow
“DiNapoli is supposed to be the independent watchdog for taxpayers, yet he sits idly by while this budget balloons,” Hernandez continued. “DiNapoli just placates Hochul and the Democrats that keep him in Albany, instead of looking out for New Yorkers.”
Hernandez pledged that as Comptroller, he would actively call out excessive spending, ensure budgets are passed on time, and restore independent fiscal oversight.
“When I’m elected, that silence ends day one. New Yorkers will finally have a real watchdog in Albany.”