X

North Country Assemblyman Butler backs bill to make discretionary spending more transparent

Posted 3/3/16

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler, R-Newport, was among 40 state lawmakers who sponsored what he is calling “Truth in Spending” legislation. The bill would create a number of requirements on …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

North Country Assemblyman Butler backs bill to make discretionary spending more transparent

Posted

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler, R-Newport, was among 40 state lawmakers who sponsored what he is calling “Truth in Spending” legislation.

The bill would create a number of requirements on discretionary state spending, also known as member items or pork barrel spending, Butler said.

“New York has a history of crooked politicians using resources and programs intended for the public’s benefit to line their own pockets, and yet, the state’s laws do not contain the proper controls and restraints to prevent the misuse and abuse of public funds,” said Butler. “New York government is in dire need of transparency, which is why I am so proud to sponsor the Truth in Spending legislation to stop abuse of public dollars.”

The bill, if enacted, would require full disclosure of the relationship between a recipient and the governor or legislator requesting funds. Projects must be described, be for public use, and there must be proof that the funds were used for the intended purpose. Information on requests must be made publicly available at least 72 hours before funds are issued. Violations of these provisions would be referred to the Legislative Ethics Commission or the Joint Commission on Public Ethics in the case of a violation by the governor, according to Butler.

“A report from good government group Citizens Union has identified that roughly $2.4 billion in state funds are allocated through 80 ‘lump sum’ parts of the budget. Keeping track of how these funds are spent is very difficult. Citizen’s Union, the Empire Center, the League of Women Voters and the New York Public Interest Research Group have all expressed their support for the measure,” Butler said. “A disgraced downstate senator was able to secure about $200,000 in state funds for a non-profit which he used to amass $500,000 worth of personal expenses like vacations, Yankees tickets, memberships and other perks. The legislation, had it been in place, would have disclosed this conflict of interest and prevented the funds from being improperly issued to the so-called non-profit.”

Butler represents the 118th Assembly District. It covers a portion of central and southern St. Lawrence County from Norfolk to Fine.