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New York Passes $254 Billion Budget with $10M Provision for AG James's Defense Amid DOJ Fraud Probe

23 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 9, 2025, 02:50 PM

The New York State Legislature has passed a $254 billion budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which includes a controversial provision that could require taxpayers to fund up to $10 million for the legal defense of Attorney General Letitia James. This provision was inserted into the budget following allegations of mortgage fraud against James, who is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after a criminal referral from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) under the direction of Pam Bondi. The budget's passage came after a significant delay, with the spending plan being approved over a month past the April 1 deadline. The budget debate was marked by contention over the provision for James's legal fees, with critics arguing that it represents an inappropriate use of taxpayer money for personal legal issues. Governor Kathy Hochul supported the budget, which was passed after fierce debate. The investigation into James stems from accusations that she misrepresented her primary residence on mortgage applications, which could potentially lead to criminal charges. The provision in the budget allows state employees to be reimbursed for legal fees if they face federal discrimination or retaliation due to their employment. During a town hall, James faced public confrontation over her legal battles, particularly her lawsuit against President Donald Trump, with a supporter of Trump questioning her about the costs and her alleged fraud. This incident highlights the ongoing tension and public scrutiny surrounding James's actions and the state's financial support for her legal defense.

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#New York State Legislature #Letitia James #James #Department of Justice #Federal Housing Finance Agency #FHFA #Pam Bondi #Kathy Hochul #Donald Trump #Trump

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Sources

empirereportnewyork.com washingtonpost.com nypost.com rochesterfirst.com

Right Angle News Network

@Rightanglenews

BREAKING - A New Yorker has told AG Letitia James straight to her face that she is going to jail. https://t.co/L6avAJMAMK

Libs of TikTok

@libsoftiktok

Man taken out by security after confronting Leticia James over her political prosecution of Trump while she allegedly committed mortgage fraud “Everybody knows those allegations are baseless!” The courts will decide, Leticia. No one is above the law. https://t.co/jWudiRKpgT

Elise Stefanik

@EliseStefanik

The investigation into Letitia James is a vital step toward justice. Tish James' actions embody the corruption among NY elected Far Left Democrats led by Kathy Hochul. I recently exposed how Governor Kathy Hochul and Far Left Albany Democrats secretly inserted language into the https://t.co/gUONBHXph5