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Cuomo impeachment inquiry now includes prioritizing COVID-19 tests for his family
Brendan J. Lyons reports in the Times Union that the state Assembly's impeachment inquiry into Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration is now investigating whether high-level officials with the state Health Department prioritized coronavirus tests for relatives and associates of the governor. The investigation into at least seven sexual harassment or assault complaints, the manipulation of COVID-19 data about nursing homes, and the alleged rushing of a bridge construction project in time for an election is not expected to be completed for months. "While the Assembly investigation will look into these most recent allegations, the investigation's primary focus remains questions related to sexual harassment, nursing homes and bridge safety," said State Assemblyperson Charles Lavine, who chairs the judiciary committee. No state officer, employee, legislator or legislative employee “should use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for himself or herself or others,” according to Section 74 of the state Public Officers Law. “I think that this is a potential violation ... and I think that that question needs to be thoroughly investigated,” said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause of New York. Read more about this story in the Times Union.