Cutting the Cost of Ticket Fees in New York

In New York, many people are paying extra for everyday services. Banks add convenience fees, overdraft charges and other hidden costs that seem to disappear into the ether. These fees are especially tough on people who do not have a lot of money, and they keep state workers from getting what they deserve. Tourists bring in $10 billion a year, and the 2026 World Cup could raise that to $150 billion. Yet part of that money is lost because companies like Ticketmaster put huge markups on concert tickets. The same company, Live Nation, is owned by the state through its pension funds and still charges fees that hurt ordinary citizens. The current Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, has a $13 million stake in Live Nation but has not pushed the company to be more transparent. The new candidate says this will change. He plans to use the state’s share of Live Nation as leverage, demanding that the company show exactly how much it charges for tickets and other services.A key part of his plan is to audit every sports and concert venue that receives state money. The audit will look for hidden fees and try to stop companies from using the state as a source of profit. He will also create a database where people can report fees that feel unfair. The data will be shared with the Attorney General and other consumer‑protection groups. The candidate also wants to fight predatory lending. He says that any new loan product must be clear about its costs, interest rates and the rights of borrowers. He will work with the Department of Financial Services to make sure banks stop charging overdraft fees that are too high. City officials have already started to tackle junk fees. The new Comptroller would take the lead at the state level, ensuring that New York’s money is spent wisely and that businesses are held accountable.