Joseph Hernandez will strengthen the pension fund to ease the tax burden by improving long-term returns, reducing unnecessary costs and excessive Wall Street fees, and managing the fund as a fiduciary free from political pressure.

Hernandez will use the Comptroller's authority to review and pre-approve state contracts, expand audits of state agencies and public authorities, oversee MTA spending, and enforce budget transparency to stop waste and abuse.

Hernandez supports disciplined, market-driven investment strategies that strengthen the economy while protecting the pension fund and taxpayers, with a focus on upstate and western New York job creation, infrastructure, and sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, energy, logistics, and life sciences.

Hernandez believes taxpayers are best protected when New York's finances are managed with discipline, independence, and a clear focus on results, including reducing pressure on property taxpayers by stabilizing pension costs.