Common Cause Welcomes Reform Package Proposed by Gov. Paterson

• by Common Cause of New York

NEW YORK, NY (01/06/2010)(readMedia)-- There is much to like in the Governor's proposed reform package, as is expected to be presented in his State of the State address, according to Common Cause/NY. Common Cause/NY has long championed many of the proposals which will be introduced by the Governor, including a single, strong ethics oversight body and strengthened enforcement of campaign finance laws, lowered campaign finance limits, limits on contributions by lobbyists, and requiring state officers to disclose all outside income. The Governor has even adopted the term limits proposal suggested by Common Cause/NY's at a reform panel in November.

"We are particularly pleased to see the Governor overcome his hesitancy regarding public funding of elections and again wholeheartedly embrace this needed reform," said Executive Director Susan Lerner. "The initial details which have been released regarding the Governor's proposal for public funding of elections are promising, and we look forward to working with him, his staff and the Legislature to help craft the most effective and workable public funding system for New York State and seeing it signed into law."

Executive Director Susan Lerner will be in Albany for the State of the State address and available for comment and analysis after the speech. She can be reached via her mobile phone at (917) 670-5670.