You Paid For It

How much does your legislator spend?

Chris White

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There’s new data online listing how much each state legislator spent between April 2008 and April 2009. The new database is searchable on the Empire Center’s government transparency Web site. A summary report is also available online.... Full story

You Paid For It: State hearing rooms

Greg Floyd

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As New York State deals with ballooning deficits and all sorts of dire financial straits, big money is being spent on lavish upgrades for the three hearing rooms in the Legislative Office Building. As the work was being completed over the past few... Full story

Comptroller: Medicaid abuse funded $300-a-day cab rides

Liz Bishop

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ALBANY -- As if it isn't bad enough that New York state is broke -- today, we learn the giant Medicaid system is rife with waste, fraud and abuse. According to state comptroller Tom DiNapoli, the Medicaid waste and abuse have racked up... Full story

You Paid For It: Hiring 'thaw"

Greg Floyd

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ALBANY -- The state has been mired in financial trouble for a long time now. Last year, Gov. David Paterson ordered a state hiring freeze -- no new hires except for critical positions like state police officers and some health care workers for... Full story

You Paid For It: Special session

Greg Floyd

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ALBANY -- As lawmakers meet in special session today, one day after Governor David Paterson urged them to approve his budget deficit reduction proposal, you may be wondering what this special session at the Capitol is costing you. We’ve told... Full story

You Paid For It: New License Plates

Greg Floyd

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COLONIE -- Because you won't stop talking about it, we won't stop investigating New York State's plan to force all motorists to pay for new license plates starting in April 2010. The cost will be 25 dollars, plus an additional 20 dollars if you... Full story

You Paid For It: Congressional Cars

Greg Floyd

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There are many perks and benefits that go along with being a member of Congress. We first told you last year that all members of the House of Representatives are given the option of leasing a car at taxpayer expense. It's a free car and free gas,... Full story

You Paid For It: Schenectady’s clock that doesn’t tick

Greg Floyd

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SCHENECTADY -- Why is time standing still in downtown Schenectady? That’s the question posed by a CBS 6 viewer who wants to know why the clock known as “Little Ben” at the corner of State and Broadway is stuck at 10:10. The... Full story

You Paid For It: Gov's office defends misused stimulus money

Steve Flamisch

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Two lawmakers blasted Governor David Paterson's office on Thursday for allowing many low-income parents to use federal stimulus money to buy beer, cigarettes, and lottery tickets instead of school supplies. Drawing upon a pot of $140 million... Full story

You Paid For It: IG reports slam two state agencies

Steve Flamisch

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Five state workers racked-up thousands of dollars in improper travel expenses using taxpayer-funded vehicles, according to a pair of reports issued Wednesday by the Office of the New York State Inspector General (IG). The State Liquor Authority... Full story

'You Paid For It' Archives