Lt. Gov. Benjamin Under Scrutiny for Taxpayer Reimbursements

Governor Hochul Makes Special Announcement With State Senator Brian Benjamin

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 26: State Senator Brian Benjamin pumps his fist as he celebrates during a press conference announcing him as Lt. Governor on August 26, 2021 in New York City. Senator Benjamin, who placed fourth in the Democratic primary for city comptroller earlier this year, will replace Hochul who was sworn in as Governor this week after the resignation of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Senator Benjamin has been a lead sponsor and advocate for criminal and police reforms that includes the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act and the Less is More Act, which restricts the use of incarceration for non-criminal technical parole violations. He has also been a proponent of affordable housing. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)Photo: Getty Images

Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin reportedly received taxpayer reimbursements -- while he was a state Senator -- for travel expenses that were paid with his campaign's charge card -- not his own.

A review of records by The Albany Times Union found a dozen trips in which Benjamin submitted vouchers for full reimbursement for travel expenses -- even though the gasoline was purchased with a campaign debit card.

His campaign spending came under scrutiny last year. He worked out a deal with the Board of Elections in January to repay his Senate campaign account for his car lease, car repairs, a bill at a jazz club where he had his wedding reception, and some gas expenses.

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