On this episode of In Focus, it’s all about the money — the state’s money, New Yorkers’ money, and what the state is doing with that cash. From investing, to combating fraud, to connecting people with money they didn't know they had, the Office of the State Comptroller has a lot on its plate. JoDee Kenney sits down with New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for a half-hour conversation to dive into all that and more, starting with the Comptroller’s office’s efforts to connect New Yorkers with their unclaimed funds — which add up to a whopping $17.5 billion. DiNapoli talks about where that money comes from, how New Yorkers can find out whether any of it is theirs, and, if it is, how to reclaim it. The comptroller also discusses how his office works to make sure financial institutions, insurers, and other companies hold up their responsibility to turn over money from unclaimed accounts. 

DiNapoli also breaks down how his office manages an even bigger fund: New York State's pension fund, which is the third largest state pension fund in the U.S. The comptroller discusses what contributes to that size, and who is eligible to invest in it. He also sheds some light on how New York is preparing to weather the potential incoming economic uncertainty that economists have warned of, and shares details on efforts to combat waste and fraud — including the impact of the restoration of oversight powers to the comptroller’s office. 

You can hear the full conversation between New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and JoDee Kenney via the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.