Investigation Continues Into Espada's Business Tax Problems

Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada's non-profit (but profitable enough for him to have been paid $460,000 in 2007) Soundview Health Network remains a source of questions from state officials. Earlier this summer, the NY State Comptroller's office yanked a $3 million state grant to the clinic because Espada, on the application form, claimed there were no outstanding tax liens, claims or judgments over $15,000... only there were (the Post says it owes about $1 million in taxes now) and now Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is investigating whether Espada gave false statements about his business's health. The Times Union also mentions the new investigation "is separate from ongoing probes involving Espada's campaign and the Soundview organization... Cuomo's office is looking into whether Espada improperly benefitted in his successful primary election last year by allegedly using Soundview employees and resources for political activities. Questions about Espada's residency and his failure to file complete campaign disclosures are also under investigation."