Citizens Against Government Waste Names Gov. Andrew Cuomo 2020 Porker of the Year

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#GovWaste--Today, Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) announced the results of its online poll for the 2020 Porker of the Year. There were six worthy candidates who were guilty of plugging pricey policies, promoting earmarks and wasteful practices, pushing a big-spending agenda, and incorrectly handling the COVID-19 response.

After the votes were tallied, the dishonor went to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who was named CAGW’s November 2020 Porker of the Month for politicizing and delaying the distribution of a new COVID-19 vaccine that will save lives. In a tight race, Gov. Cuomo received 32 percent of the vote, beating second place Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) by only five percentage points.

In November, Gov. Cuomo claimed that the speedy vaccine approval process was driven by “the money and ego” of pharmaceutical companies and President Trump, respectively. He announced that New York would set up its own analysis and review of the vaccine, further delaying its release even though it already underwent the most rigorous review process in the world for quality, safety, and efficacy.

CAGW President Tom Schatz said, “We would like to thank the taxpayers who voted for all of the ‘worthy’ candidates. The results are not surprising, as Gov. Cuomo’s response to the coronavirus crisis has been an insult to New Yorkers. After more than 1.1 million New Yorkers have been infected and more than 39,208 have died from COVID-19, one would think Gov. Cuomo would act quickly to get the vaccine out and the virus under control. For politicizing a lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Cuomo deserves the distinction of 2020 Porker of the Year.”

CAGW is the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government. Porker of the Year is a dubious honor given to a lawmaker, government official, or political candidate who has shown the most blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers throughout the year.

Alexandra Abrams (202) 467-5310
aabrams@cagw.org