Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R,C,I – Big Flats) has renewed his insistency on adopting ethics reforms following the news that over $500,000 in taxpayer funds will be paid to the Assembly staffers sexually harassed by former Assemblyman Vito Lopez. Former Speaker Sheldon Silver was also named in the lawsuit for his inability to foster an environment where the behavior would be condemned.

“That taxpayers have to pick up the tab for the perverted transgressions of Vito Lopez and former Speaker Silver is disgusting,” Friend said. “We already are the most over-taxed state in the country, and now, we have to pay even more because of this. I hope the closing of this case will inspire Speaker Heastie to act quickly on the ethics reform this chamber desperately needs.”