State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the sentencing of Ronald Foust and Jeffrey Clark, former employees of the city of Rensselaer Department of Public Works, for teaming with DPW Commissioner Thomas Capuano to divert $46,000 from the city by pocketing the cash from scrap metals acquired as part of their jobs with the city.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today his office stopped $25.3 million in questionable or fraudulent personal income tax refunds from being paid so far in 2015.

DiNapoli's office has audited and approved 5.1 million state refunds totaling $4.7 billion. More than 368,000 refunds totaling $386.9 million are expected to be paid in the coming days.

Legislation being proposed by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli would require the entities administering tax check off funds to improve efforts to spend dedicated contributions within the year they were made and report how the money was spent to the public and state officials.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced legislation to create an optional investment pool to help the state and local governments fund retiree health insurance and other post employment benefits (OPEB).

A Buffalo City School District technician pleaded guilty today in Erie County Court after admitting he worked for a second school district at the same time before his scam was discovered by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s office.

Noe Rodriguez, 38, of Buffalo, was arrested and pleaded guilty to scheming to defraud in the first degree, an E felony, and paid $18,229 in restitution, according to an agreement with Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III. He is due back in Erie County Court for sentencing on June 11.

About 675 local authorities operate in New York state and provide a host of important services to citizens. However, the 639 authorities operating outside of New York City employ more than 4,300 employees, report approximately $1.5 billion in spending and $18 billion in outstanding debt, and operate with little oversight, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a tentative schedule for the planned sale of obligations for the State, New York City, and their major public authorities during the second quarter of 2015.

Governor Cuomo and the Legislature deserve credit for adopting a timely budget. Still, it is unfortunate that this year's budget process was not more transparent. My office will analyze and report on the enacted budget in detail, including its impact on the state's debt and out-year finances.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P.