Washington, D.C. – Today, House Republican Leadership Chair Elise Stefanik released the following statement condemning Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats for their outrageous inclusion of a taxpayer-funded slush fund in the New York State budget to defend Attorney General Letitia James against a federal investigation into alleged fraudulent real estate dealings.
“Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats have reached a new low in their corrupt, far-left agenda by sneaking language into the state budget that misuses hardworking New Yorkers’ tax dollars to bankroll Letitia James’ legal defense against serious allegations of mortgage fraud. This disgraceful slush fund epitomizes the cesspool of corruption in Albany, where Democrat elites prioritize protecting their own over the needs of New York families.
Letitia James, who illegally weaponized her office to pursue politically motivated witch hunts, now expects taxpayers to foot the bill for her alleged misconduct. Meanwhile, New Yorkers are crushed by skyrocketing crime, a mass exodus from our state, and a cost-of-living crisis fueled by Hochul’s failed policies. Instead of addressing these urgent issues, Albany Democrats are doubling down on shielding their corrupt allies.
This shameful abuse of public funds demands accountability. I call on Governor Hochul to immediately remove this provision from the budget and for an independent investigation into James’ alleged fraud. New Yorkers deserve transparency, not taxpayer-funded cover-ups. As a proud representative of Upstate New York, I will continue to fight against the corrupt one-party rule in Albany and stand up for the hardworking families who are fed up with this blatant betrayal of public trust.”
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