January 4, 2010
Press Release
For Immediate Release
New Senate Majority is Costing New York State Money
Albany, NY – State Senator Rubén Díaz today charged the new Senate Majority with costing New York State money.
“The new Senate Majority continues to authorize and encourage expenditures that the State cannot afford through its use of antiquated and outdated accounting methods,” stated Senator Díaz.
“On Monday, January 3, 2011, I purchased a ten-ride Amtrak ticket from Yonkers to Albany. The price of this ticket was $432.00, representing a significant discount over a regular round-trip ticket. The fare of this ten-ride ticket will be $43.00 for each ride, compared to $50.00 to $60.00 for a tank of gas, plus tolls. If every Senator from throughout the state, especially the City of New York would take advantage of this package that Amtrak is offering to us, the state will save money, especially in this critical time when every little bit helps.”
“On Tuesday, January 4, 2011, I was informed by the office of Senate Accounts Payable that I could not use this ticket because their current auditing and accounting capabilities do not permit them to document that I actually took the train.”
“In order to obtain a cheaper fare, I was actually instructed to take the train in the morning. The fare is cheaper in the morning, but in order to take the train in the morning, I would have to stay overnight in a hotel, which obviously would end up costing New York State more.”
“I strongly encourage the new Senate Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore Dean Skelos to please look into this and instruct Accounts Payable to bring the Senate’s accounting methods into the 21st century. This bargain that Amtrak is offering will save the state money. The new majority ran on a record of fiscal conservatism. It is time they put their words into action,” commented Senator Díaz.
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