State lawmakers in the final days of the scheduled legislative session are set to approve funding for a potential impeachment proceeding against Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The top leaders in the state Senate and Assembly on Saturday quietly introduced a bill that would allow lawmakers to dip into a $156.9 million fund used to pay for lawsuits against the state to help cover costs associated with an impeachment proceeding.
Democrats in the state Assembly earlier this year launched an investigation into multiple controversies facing Cuomo, including allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct or inappropriate behavior as well as his administration's reporting of nursing home fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The third-term Democrat is also facing an investigation by Attorney General Letitia James's office into the sexual harassment allegations as well as a federal inquiry into the reporting of nursing home deaths.
Prominent Democrats, including most of the state's congressional delegation as well as members of the Legislature have called on the governor to resign. Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing.
An impeachment proceeding would originate in the state Assembly; a trial would take place in the state Senate.