Ex-NY Gov. Cuomo loses bid to halt ethics probe into his $5M COVID book deal

Andrew Cuomo's efforts to dismantle New York's ethics commission were thwarted by the state's highest court, which ruled in a 4-3 decision that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) remains constitutional. This ruling permits COELIG to reopen its investigation into Cuomo's $5 million book deal related to his COVID-19 memoir. Although two lower courts had sided with Cuomo, the Court of Appeals determined that the commission's structure is essential for maintaining public trust in government. State Attorney General Letitia James praised the ruling as a victory for governmental accountability.

The public deserves to have faith in their elected officials, and that requires a strong, independent ethics commission, which is vital for government integrity and public trust.

The ruling by New York’s highest court emphasized that the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government maintains its independence from both the Legislature and the Executive Branch.

Read at New York Post