Albany, NY — Today marks the 40th anniversary of the New York State Inspector General’s Office (OIG), created by Executive Order under former Governor Mario M. Cuomo to investigate fraud and corruption in New York State government. OIG celebrated this milestone with a public program last night at the New York State Museum and the release of a special edition Biennial Report, which looks back at notable investigations from the past four decades, while highlighting OIG’s recent growth and impact, particularly in serving the most vulnerable New Yorkers at a time when independent oversight is under attack.

Last night, in collaboration with the New York State Archives, New York State Museum, and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Inspector General Lucy Lang convened a public program at the State Museum in Albany titled “Illustrious Strangers at 250: Inspectors General and the American Democratic Tradition.” 

In recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial and the 40^th Anniversary of the creation of OIG, the event featured leading experts — including former United States Department of the Interior Inspector General Mark Lee Greenblatt, historian and author Paul Lockhart, and former New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Rose Gill — in discussion about New York’s vital role in the birth, development, and future of public integrity in America. Award-winning actor Stephen Lang delivered a special reading of historical texts underscoring the American tradition of accountability and public service.

Artifacts related to Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben — widely regarded as America’s first Inspector General and for whom New York’s Steuben County is named — were displayed on loan from OPRHP and the New York State Museum, including Steuben’s pocket watch and an original copy of his “Blue Book,” the Revolutionary era training and discipline manual he penned for the Continental Army that continues to provide the foundation for American military procedure.

“Forty years ago today, New York made a clear statement that independent oversight matters,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Today, with public trust in government being shaken to its core, last night’s conversation reminded us that watchdogs are central to the American democratic tradition, and that independent oversight is as vital today as it was at the time of the nation’s founding.”

“Inspector General Lang’s influence extends well beyond New York,” said Association of Inspectors General President Will Fletcher. “Through her leadership, the New York State Inspector General’s Office has strengthened accountability at home while working to ignite the conversation about the importance of independent oversight nationwide."

New York’s enduring commitment to independent oversight was formally recognized by Governor Kathy Hochul, who has issued a gubernatorial citation honoring the New York State Inspector General’s Office for four decades of service to the people of New York and its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity across state government.

In that spirit, Inspector General Lang today released the Office’s Biennial Report, which reflects on the 40-year milestone while providing a detailed account of the Office’s work during the most recent two years. The report highlights investigative outcomes, complaint data, agency reforms, and key initiatives across the Office of the New York State Inspector General, the Office of the Welfare Inspector General, and the Office of the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General.

“The Biennial Report is both a snapshot of where we are and a reflection of how far this Office has come over forty years,” Inspector General Lang said. “It tells the story of an institution that has evolved with the challenges of its time, while remaining anchored to a simple but powerful mandate to protect the public, strengthen government, and do right.”

The Biennial Report, along with images from last night’s event and a copy of the Governor’s citation honoring the Office’s 40 years of service, are all available online.

For four decades, the New York State Inspector General’s Office has investigated fraud, abuse, and misconduct across state government, driving reforms in corrections, procurement, public safety, benefits administration, gaming operations, and workplace protections. The anniversary year and accompanying report underscore the Office’s continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service as it enters its fifth decade.

The Offices of the New York State Inspector General: Fostering confidence in New York State government by promoting integrity and transparency through oversight of covered agencies, their employees, and those doing business with the State.

To report wrongdoing, call 1-800-DO-RIGHT (367-4448) or visit ig.ny.gov.

Follow the office’s work on social media at @NewYorkStateIG.