From the Desk of Assemblyman Dave McDonough

In a joint effort with his Assembly Republican colleagues, Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I – Merrick) announced the launch of www.stopgovernmentwasteny.com, a Web site which will keep taxpayers up to date on cases of waste, fraud and abuse in state government.

The Web site will provide necessary checks and balances on a bloated state budget that must be cut this year due to the continued economic decline in New York and a multi-billion dollar deficit caused by years of reckless spending.

"I have called for reductions in state spending long before our current economic and fiscal crises," McDonough said. "With advances in technology and communication, setting up a Web site such as this was a logical step for us to take if we want to be able to speak directly and honestly with constituents without being filtered or reduced to sound bites. I look forward to taxpayers being able to anonymously report what they deem to be waste, fraud and abuse so that we can set New York on a path towards responsible spending for years to come."

Recent reports regarding waste, fraud and abuse indicate that New York can save millions through the reduction of spending on unnecessary items and the prosecution of those who commit fraud or abuse the system.

In addition, the New York Times reported in 2005 that Medicaid fraud could be costing taxpayers billions of dollars. With the help of anonymous whistleblowers, the Assembly Republican Conference hopes to stop enough government waste, fraud and abuse to save necessary programs which may be cut in upcoming budget negotiations for Fiscal Year 2010-11.

For more information, or to report reckless use of state funds, visit  www.stopgovernmentwasteny.com.