The Comptroller’s most important responsibility is protecting taxpayers. Joseph Hernandez believes taxpayers are best protected when New York’s finances are managed with discipline, independence, and a clear focus on results.

Strengthening the Pension Fund to Ease the Tax Burden

New York’s pension fund directly impacts taxpayers and local government budgets. When pension performance falls short or costs rise, taxpayers are forced to make up the difference through higher contributions, higher property taxes, or reduced services.

As Comptroller, Hernandez will focus on improving long term returns while reducing unnecessary costs and excessive Wall Street fees. Stronger pension performance helps stabilize contribution rates for municipalities and school districts and reduces pressure on taxpayers across the state.

Reducing Costs Through Fiduciary Discipline

Hernandez will manage the pension fund as a fiduciary, not a politician. Investment decisions will be driven by performance, risk management, and long term value. Political pressure and ideological agendas have no place in pension management.

By cutting wasteful fees and prioritizing efficient investment strategies, Hernandez will ensure more dollars stay in the fund working for retirees and taxpayers.

Protecting Local Governments and Property Taxpayers

Local governments depend on predictable pension costs to balance their budgets. Hernandez’s approach provides stability by strengthening the fund and reducing volatility. This helps protect homeowners, small businesses, and working families from sudden tax increases driven by pension shortfalls.

The Comptroller is New York’s independent financial watchdog. Joseph Hernandez will use the full authority of the office to hold government accountable and restore trust in how public dollars are spent.

Contract Review and Pre Approval Authority

The Comptroller has the power to review and pre-approve state contracts before taxpayer dollars are spent. Hernandez will use this authority aggressively to stop waste, abuse, and improper spending before it occurs.

Contracts must be transparent, competitively bid, and clearly beneficial to the public. If they do not meet those standards, they will not be approved.

Auditing State Agencies and Public Authorities

Hernandez will expand audits of state agencies and public authorities to identify waste, fraud, and mismanagement. Audit findings will be made public, allowing New Yorkers to see where their money is going and how it is being used.

When audits uncover wrongdoing, Hernandez will work directly with law enforcement and inspectors general to ensure accountability.

Oversight of the MTA and Major Spending Entities

The MTA consumes billions of taxpayer dollars while producing cost overruns and rising debt. Hernandez will use audit and contract oversight authority to examine MTA spending, capital projects, and procurement practices.

Taxpayers deserve transparency, performance standards, and consequences for failure at every level of government.

Enforcing Budget Transparency

State budgets should be clear, honest, and sustainable. Hernandez will scrutinize the state budget to expose hidden spending, unrealistic assumptions, and long-term liabilities that threaten taxpayers and future generations.

New York needs growth, but growth must be responsible. Joseph Hernandez believes the state can invest in its future without risking taxpayer or retiree dollars.

Disciplined, Market-Driven Investment

Hernandez will support investment strategies that are based on fundamentals, risk management, and measurable returns. Investments must strengthen the economy while protecting the pension fund and taxpayers.

There will be no political pet projects and no taxpayer-funded giveaways.

Upstate Investment and Economic Growth

Too many regions of New York have been left behind. Hernandez will prioritize investment strategies that support job creation, infrastructure, and private sector growth in upstate and western New York.

By expanding the tax base and creating good-paying jobs, disciplined investment strengthens public finances statewide.

Building Long-Term Economic Strength

Hernandez supports investment in sectors positioned for long-term growth, including advanced manufacturing, technology, energy, logistics, and life sciences. All investments will be evaluated based on performance, sustainability, and their ability to deliver real economic value.