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Good-government advocates criticize NY spending

Associated Press - April 29, 2009 3:05 PM ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP)

As the Paterson administration starts to dole out $24.6 billion in federal economic stimulus money, good-government groups and some legislators warn projects are being chosen in secret and there isn't enough accounting of the spending.

Common Cause NY is among more than a dozen groups seeking immediate measures to make the selection process and the use of funds more transparent.

Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos says the Democratic Obama administration requires transparency and accountability, but Democrats in Albany have failed to adequately provide either.
Democratic Assemblyman Richard Brodsky says lawmakers need to be included more in the process.
Gov. David Paterson says he believes the process is already transparent, but will review it.