State ethics commission rescinds approval of Cuomo’s book deal

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) Tuesday voted to rescind its prior approval of former governor Andrew Cuomo’s $5.1 million book deal.

The resolution was approved in a 12:1 vote.

This means Cuomo will have to re-apply for approval and could face fines or have profits taken back if the panel denies approval.

A spokesperson for the former governor released the following statement on the decision Tuesday:

“Today’s action by JCOPE — following two prior failed attempts — is transparently political on its face. We look forward to vigorously contesting in court any efforts JCOPE makes to enforce this baseless and improper decision.”

The book, “American Crisis: Leadership Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic", is one of several allegations the New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee looked into as part of its impeachment investigation. It is alleged that members of his staff worked on the book on paid time, which is a possible ethics violation.

Last Wednesday, the Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee said it was invited to review the report on the impeachment investigation this week.

Though Cuomo is no longer an elected official and therefore can’t be impeached, the Assembly Judiciary Committee resolved to make the results of the investigation public anyway.