The recent corruption convictions of disgraced ex-legislative leaders Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos haven’t curbed Albany’s pay-to-play habits, critics say.
The first order of business: political fund-raisers!
Even though the gavel just banged in the 2016 legislative session, dozens of lawmakers seeking re-election have already hit up lobbyists, business leaders, union bosses and others for thousands of dollars.
Stunned capital insiders forwarded The Post their invites to attend or donate to fund-raisers for 22 senators and Assembly members — beginning on Monday and continuing over the next several weeks. And it’s only the beginning: Invitations for more cash shindigs will go out in February and March as lawmakers negotiate the new state budget with Gov. Cuomo.
“These fund-raisers are out of control,” one inundated Albany source groused. “They think money grows on trees here.”
Many of the events are being held just blocks from the state Capitol.
That means lawmakers talk about bills and with lobbyists during the day and then schmooze with the same people just hours later.
For example, at least three state senators are holding events Monday.
Two state Senate Republicans — Philip Boyle of Long Island and Sue Serino of the Hudson Valley — are huddling with donors at the historic Fort Orange Club.
At Boyle’s event, $1,000 donors are called “Silver” sponsors; $2,500 givers are “Gold”; and $5,000 contributors are “Platinum.”
Around the same time, state Sen. George Latimer, a Westchester Democrat, is set to hold a donor feast at The Grille At 138 on Washington Avenue, where the asking price ranges from $250 to $5,000.
On Tuesday, first-term Albany-area GOP Sen. George Amedore holds a $500-to-$2,000 bash at posh Angelo’s 677 Prime steak house.
At least four fund-raisers are planned for Jan. 25, including one for veteran Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx), who will hold court at the Albany Room in the Empire State Plaza. Asking price: $500 to $4,400.
A government watchdog group slammed the lawmakers as tone-deaf and recommended a ban on Albany fund-raisers on days the Legislature is in session.
“Despite the convictions of Silver and Skelos, the Albany pay-to-play culture continues uninterrupted,” said Citizens Union director Dick Dadey.
But lawmakers defended the fund-raisers.
Dinowitz said he holds an annual fund-raiser in January to “get it over with” before the session heats up.
“Either you’re honest or not honest,” Dinowitz said, adding that the fund-raiser has “nothing to do” with corruption.
Boyle defended his event as “perfectly legal and ethical, and it’s been going on for many years.”