You Paid For It

Report: Tonight Show Deal Done "Early On"

There is more outrage over what some are calling the "Jimmy Fallon tax credit" in the state budget.

Gun Database to Cost Taxpayers $28 Million

Part of NY SAFE Act, data base available to state police, but not the public.

Local Officials Respond to Scathing State Report

State Criticizes Officials for Mishandling Project Funds

Poloncarz Wants Audit of Sheriff Division Overtime

County Comptroller calls request "hyper partisan politics".

Comptroller Calls it the "$100,000 Club"

The Erie County Comptroller's office has put the County Executive and Legislature on notice about a recent audit. It revealed that 723-county employees cost taxpayers $100,000 more in salary, benefits, overtime, cash-outs and other costs.

Assessor Says NYS Sen. Young Not at Fault for 2nd STAR Exemption

Says she had been unaware of improper tax exemption, has taken steps to correct error, and will pay back any monies owed.

Tackling Welfare Fraud

Recent arrests of 14 suspects on charges of welfare fraud in Niagara County underscores problem of abuse of public assistance dollars.

Tonawanda Dept. Head Will Earn $98,000

That's still less than Jeffrey Ehlers' predecessor made as director of the town's Department of Youth, Parks and Recreation.

State Ed. Department Staffs Up for Teacher Evaluation

Just as many school districts rushed over the past few months to complete negotiated teacher evaluation plans, the state education department also had to hire additional staff to process all those plans with some rather high salaries.

State Fee on Car Insurance Bills: Where Does It Go?

If you've paid your car insurance bill lately, you probably did not notice the $10 dollar fee that is tacked on for the "mandatory NY Motor Vehicle Law Enforcement Fee."

Tab for SUNY Conference Tops 300k

Includes $37,000 cocktail reception. Extravagance? Or a prudent expense to help find long term solutions to soaring higher education costs?

As Pension Costs Grow, Some Local Governments Turn To Borrowing

Some local governments plan to borrow to pay their pension bills this year as a way to stave off growing retiree costs.

2013 Legislative Calendar; Full-Time Pay for Part-Time Work?

The 2013 legislative calendars for the State Senate and Assembly have been released, and once again lawmakers will be spending few days actually in session in Albany.

Buffalo School District Defends Travel Expenses

A day after a report criticized its spending on travel, the Buffalo Public School District defended its expenses as necessary and oftentimes "mandated."

Report Says Buffalo Schools Spent $2.7 Million Last Year On Cosmetic Surgery

A new report from a conservative non-profit says Buffalo spent nearly $3 million last fiscal year on cosmetic procedures for district employees who receive the free coverage.

You Paid For It: Cuomo Aide Fired in Sandy Flap

A state official says New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo fired his emergency management director for diverting crews to remove a tree from his driveway during Superstorm Sandy.

Some of NY's Highest Paid Teachers (outside NYC) are in WNY

Business First is out with its latest rankings regarding schools, with a look at teacher salaries in Upstate New York.

Tollpayers Taking a Ride on the Erie Canal

As the state Thruway Authority ponders a steep toll hike on commercial trucks traveling by land, lawmakers and business lobbyists say it's time for motorists to stop footing the bill for those traveling by water.

State Settles With WNY Woman In Sexual Harassment Suit

Former staffer at Senate Majority office in Buffalo awarded $90k,...and you paid for it.

You Paid For It: Three Primary Races in 2012

Another Hire With Political Ties at Water Authority

Local Gov't Workers Received Taxpayer-Funded Bonuses

In 2011 taxpayers footed the bill for big bonuses for government workers, some of whom are located here in Buffalo.

SUNY Universities Spend On Trips, Meals

The largest single tab was $30,460 to feed the SUNY Buffalo football team during its two-week training camp last year.

You Paid For It: Politicians' "Newsletters"

Both Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblyman Sean Ryan are facing tough Democratic primaries in September.

Senate Quietly Approved $369M For Hometown Projects

On the final day of the legislative session last month, the state Senate quietly approved $369 million for hometown projects -- including money for little leagues, local hospitals and museums.

You Paid For It: $1.9 Million in Interest For Late Payments

New York paid more than $1.9 million in interest for late payments to vendors during the 2011-12 fiscal year, which ended March 31, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. That's an increase of 38 percent from the previous year.

You Paid For It: More Political Appointments At The State Parole Board

On Wednesday, the state senate confirmed six of Cuomo's appointees to the board. The appointments carry six year terms and have a salary of $101,000.

Releasing Public Pension Data Stalls In Senate

The state Senate has yet to act on legislation that would make clear that taxpayer-funded pensions are public information.

County's Borrowing Could Cost Taxpayers Nearly $1M

Erie County is looking to borrow $24 million for a capital improvement package and get back into the credit markets. But just how it is borrowing that money could cost taxpayers a bundle.