New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement after the state Court of Appeals affirmed the constitutionality of the state's Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG). The decision supports COELIG's role as an independent ethics watchdog.
James emphasized, "The public deserves to have faith in their elected officials, and that requires a strong, independent, ethics watchdog." She continued by affirming New York's commitment to upholding the rule of law. "My office will always work to ensure our laws are defended, no matter who attempts to sidestep or ignore them."
Expressing her pride in defending COELIG's constitutionality, James praised her team's efforts: "I was proud to help defend the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, and I commend my team for securing this decision that maintains the state’s ethics watchdog."
She concluded with reassurance to New Yorkers: "New Yorkers can trust that my office will always faithfully defend the public’s interest."