THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS AND LOBBYING IN GOVERNMENT REACHES SETTLEMENTS IN TWO INVESTIGATIONS

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government announced today that it has reached settlements in two investigations. The settlements, totaling $8,500, resolve matters related to alleged violations of the Public Officers Law (POL) and the Lobbying Act. These investigations were handled by the Commission’s Investigations and Enforcement Division.

Admitted Misuse of State Resources An employee of the New York State Department of Health (DOH), who was previously employed by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS), admitted to violating the Public Officers Law by using state resources for his private business, both during and outside of his state work hours.

The Commission’s investigation revealed that from October 2023 through January 2024, the employee used an OGS-issued email address to conduct private business. He sent or received at least 25 emails from his business email address, 20 of which were sent during state work hours. By March 2024, the employee had transferred to DOH but continued to conduct private business during state hours. As a result of the violations, the employee paid a fine of $1,000 to settle the matter.

Failure to File Timely Lobbying Reports Collective Public Affairs Consulting Inc. (CPAC), formerly known as Bowen Public Affairs Consulting Inc. (BPA), failed to submit 50 filings within the required timeframes during the 2021-2024 biennial registration periods. These filings included statements of registration, registration amendments, and lobbyist bi-monthly reports.

CPAC/BPA agreed to pay a $7,500 fine to settle the violations related to the timely submission of lobbying reports.