NY Court Upholds Ethics Panel's Authority Over Cuomo

New York's Court of Appeals ruled against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, upholding the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG). The 4-3 decision allows the commission to continue its investigation into Cuomo’s $5.1 million book deal, arguing that the commission's structure doesn't violate the separation of powers. Judge Jenny Rivera emphasized the importance of public trust and accountability in government, stating that the act remains within constitutional limits. Cuomo had contested the commission's authority, claiming it undermined executive power, a view echoed in the dissent by Judge Michael Garcia. The ruling revives COELIG, which was created in 2022 to replace the criticized Joint Commission on Public Ethics. The decision underscores the need for impartial enforcement of ethics and lobbying laws in New York state.