Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has once again called for the removal of the infamous blue and white ‘I Love NY Signs’ that have been erected along the New York State Thruway and highways all over the state at a cost of $8.1 million to taxpayers.

“We know the governor’s hubris has gotten our state into trouble, but now it has cost taxpayers another $14 million in federal fines – totaling $22 million,” Hawley said. “It is unconscionable to think Gov. Cuomo knew the signs were illegal since the Obama administration, then used $8.1 million in taxpayer money and an out of state company to design and build them anyway. Furthermore, after many were destroyed by harsh winds in Western New York last year, he used more public money to rebuild and replace them.

“Many of the signs were built downstate by an Arkansas-based company with many manufactured out of state. The Cuomo administration has ignored federal warnings for years that the signs were illegal and must be taken down.

“I am calling for Gov. Cuomo to immediately take down all ‘I Love NY Signs’ and adhere to federal law before more of New York’s money is washed down the drain.”