It's your money. We want to help you keep an eye on it. When you see your tax dollars being wasted at the state, local or national level, let us know.
 
Send your tips to wastewatchers@wnyt.com

Taxpayers forced to foot state's late charges

If you pay your credit card or your mortgage bill late, what happens? You get hit with a late charge. But here's a hefty bill you may not expect to pay -- late fees that add up when state agencies don't pay on time.

Public assistance money withdrawn from questionable places

It's been referred to as both public assistance and welfare. Whatever you call it, we're calling on New York State to do some explaining. We followed hundreds of ATM transactions that led us to liquor stores, bars, even a strip club. Let's be clear: This is not a slam against public assistance or those legitimately using the cash to cover living expenses. It's an investigation to find out why there seems to be no oversight as to where the cash can be withdrawn.


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Johnstown administrators get top-of-the-line Smart phones

It's been a rough budget year for schools, and many districts were forced to cut staff and programs, right down to the bare bones. So when one of you tipped us off, that top staff at a local district got new, $200 Smart phones, the NewsChannel 13 Waste Watchers made some calls to find out why.

Waste Watchers: Double Dippers take state jobs

With so many New Yorkers out of work, and state workers facing possible layoffs, the Waste Watchers found out how thousands of state retirees are getting re-hired.