A group of advocates, including two of the women who have accused former Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment, are calling on state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to turn off the tap on state funding of his legal defense, and for lawmakers to step up and take action.

“We are urging the state comptroller to show leadership,” said Erica Vladimer, founding director of Harassment-Free Albany. “It is up to the comptroller to look for ways that he can reduce the public cost.”

Under state law, which provides for the reimbursement of reasonable attorneys fees for private representation of state officials when the attorney general’s representation would be inappropriate, New York picks up the tab for some expenses related to sexual harassment complaints made against the former governor, who has denied wrongdoing.

Vladimer has pushed DiNapoli to more aggressively examine whether requests meet the "reasonable" standard set in state law.

Back in March, the comptroller’s office, in response to a letter sent by Vladimer, wrote that it scrutinizes all reimbursement requests related to legal expenses, but they can’t interfere with certain aspects of the legal process.

“In our audit role, we are not at liberty to substitute our legal judgment for that of the attorney certified under state law to represent the defendant or usurp the authority vested in the presiding court,” the letter read.

DiNapoli’s office has given pushback, including successfully refusing to reimburse certain legal fees relating to a FOIL request made by Cuomo's team, which had been denied by Attorney General Letitia James. 

“If he truly doesn’t believe that he has the authority to rein in this abuse of taxpayer funds, then he should be pushing really hard for the legislation that he needs,” Vladimer said in response.

Vladimer was joined at a news conference this week by Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett, who have both accused Cuomo of sexual harassment and have tangled with him and his team in court, to push for such legislation.

One, the Speak Your Truth Act intends to shield workers and public servants from retaliatory defamation lawsuits.

“We know that perpetrators abuse the legal system to silence,“ Bennett said of the Speak your Truth Act. “This is critical legislation that would provide essential protections for survivors to come forward, for workers to come forward. We know that perpetrators."

Another bill, sponsored by state Sen. Liz Krueger, would "set reasonable limitations" on the state’s reimbursement of civil attorneys’ fees and litigation expenses related to public duties.

Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopari fired back in a statement to Spectrum News 1.

“People have a right to defend themselves against false accusations,” he said. “This is still America.”

DiNapoli’s office declined to comment.