Suffolk Reporter

Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R,C,I-Sayville), recently appointed to the Assembly Committee on Oversight, Analysis, and Investigation, has called for an investigation into Governor Kathy Hochul following reports that her administration purchased COVID-19 tests from Digital Gadgets, a firm owned by large donor Charlie Tebele. The tests were reportedly bought at a cost 45% higher per test than what California’s state government paid.

Through a no-bid contract, the Hochul Administration purchased COVID-19 tests from Digital Gadgets for an average of $12.25 per test. Other companies offered the same tests for as little as $5 each, while California purchased them for $6.75 apiece. This decision led taxpayers to spend hundreds of millions more than necessary. Reports in the Albany Times Union indicate that the CEO of Digital Gadgets and his family donated $300,000 to Hochul's campaign and hosted a fundraiser for her just a month before the deal was finalized.

Gandolfo and fellow Minority colleague on the committee, Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C,I-Norwich), have urged their majority colleagues on the committee to investigate these actions. "The Hochul Administration purchased COVID tests from a major campaign donor, paying nearly double the market rate – it looks suspiciously like a kickback scheme using taxpayer dollars," Gandolfo said. "The Governor initially claimed that neither she nor her team knew that the company was supportive of her. However, we now know that the company’s founder held a fundraiser for her just one month before striking this shady deal."

Angelino added: "It is the Legislature’s distinct role to keep the executive branch in check. It appears the Hochul administration took advantage of the relaxed procurement process permitted during the pandemic and awarded an overpriced contract for COVID-19 test kits to a large donor – Digital Gadgets." He emphasized that such scenarios create distrust in government and stressed their duty to investigate.