I'm not applauding:
"New ethics rules for NY counselors of veterans" by Michael Virtanen | Associated Press August 13, 2014
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State’s Division of Veterans’ Affairs established new ethics rules after an investigation showed that two counselors received large inheritances of cash and property from veterans they helped both at work and outside of it.
Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott concluded in a report Tuesday that those are ethical lapses, citing inadequate supervision and a faulty conflict-of-interest policy that was recently revised.
‘‘Counselors should not be using their position to enrich themselves with money or gifts from veterans, but must provide services to veterans with competence and diligence,’’ Scott said.
I'm sure they were only taking their cues from the Veterans Administration in Washington (did that scandal every fall down the memory hole after the money was approved).
One counselor accepted gifts including a $23,000 car. She was given access to the World War II veteran’s bank accounts to help manage his affairs, though she also used them to pay $2,500 of her own bills, the report said. The counselor inherited his house and stocks after he died in 2010, which the veteran’s family contested, though the will was upheld.
Another counselor received a $28,000 mutual fund in a bequest from a veteran and his wife.
New York law prohibits state workers from receiving gifts of more than nominal value. Both counselors still work for the state. Scott’s findings have been referred to the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics.
The Division of Veterans Affairs was established to advocate for veterans and their families to ensure they get all authorized benefits, including help filing applications for federal, state, local, and private benefits, obtaining documents, and following up with correspondence and appeals.
And now it is just another corrupt piece of crap used by criminals that staff government.
--more--"
Corruption and looting are the core of this country now. That's why it is in such $hit shape.
