Not So Funny: N.Y. Slaps Comic Franken with $25K Workers' Comp Fine

March 6, 2008

The Senate campaign of comedian-turned-candidate Al Franken is dealing with a bump served up by an unpaid fine.

The state of New York fined Franken's personal corporation $25,000 for not carrying workers' compensation insurance for almost three years through 2005.

A spokeswoman for the New York Workers' Compensation Board says the fine hasn't been paid despite a number of notices sent to Franken's New York address.

Jess McIntosh, a spokeswoman for Franken's Senate campaign, notes Franken bought a place in Minnesota and moved back to his home state soon after. She says Franken didn't learn of the fine until Tuesday, and that his accountant is looking into what happened.

Another Franken spokesman says Franken will pay the fine if it's owed.