NY lawmakers pressing Governor on funds distributed to district attorney’s offices

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) —State Senator Tom O’Mara and Senator Anthony Palumbo sent a letter to Governor Hochul on Monday to address funds that are being distributed to district attorney’s offices in the state—aimed at "easing the burdens created by bail reforms."

“These reforms have dramatically increased the burden on prosecutors as prosecutors are required to review, prepare and disclose all information, paperwork and evidence associated with a criminal case within an impossibly short timeframe. District attorneys have been struggling to comply with these onerous requirements since the changes went into effect in 2020, as offices around New York State continue to lack staffing, resources, and funding. As a result, dedicated and experienced prosecutors are struggling to manage the workload. These prosecutors are working long hours without any meaningful pay increase to make up for the nights and weekends they must spend working,” wrote the Senators.

In the letter, the Senators requested the Governor make available the entirety of the Criminal Justice Discovery Compensation Fund for district attorneys across NY, and called for transparency regarding how funds have been dispersed.

Earlier this year, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt sent a letter to the Hochul Administration seeking answers on how gun violence emergency funding was being allocated.

The complete letter can be read below:

7.25.22 Palumbo-omara Discovery Funding Letter