Good Government Groups Urge Rejection of One Year Comptroller Only Campaign System

NEW YORK, NY (03/30/2014)(readMedia)-- Good government groups and supporters of campaign finance reform have issued a memo in opposition to Part H, Subpart D of S.6355-D/ A.8555-D, the section of the budget implementing a "trial run" for a public financing system. This proposal is so flawed that should it pass, the groups will urge Comptroller DiNapoli and his potential opponent(s) to refuse to participate in the system and take public funding.

Unlike Comptroller DiNapoli's previous proposals to use his office for a "trial run," the current print of the budget invests significant powers with the Board of Elections. Given the Board's track record and the fact that there are only five months until the state's primary elections, it is extremely doubtful that an adequate system can be implemented in time to provide a true representation of a public funding system. Additionally, this bill strips the restrictions on spending by political parties that existed in the Comptroller's earlier proposals.

All of our groups believe that the unending series of scandals in Albany and the preliminary findings of the Moreland Commission illustrate the need for comprehensive and systematic changes. More immediately, however, the significant flaws in the Governor's recent proposal show that it is not even a step in the right direction. We encourage the legislature and Governor Cuomo to reach agreement on a comprehensive reform package.

A copy of the memo is attached.

For more information:

Larry Norden, Brennan Center: (646) 292-8326

Charlie Albanetti, Citizen Action: (518) 595-9047

Alex Camarda, Citizens Union: (202) 494-0611

Susan Lerner, Common Cause New York: (917) 670-5670

Barbara Bartoletti: League of Women Voters of NYS: (518) 469-8905

Bill Mahoney, NYPIRG: (518) 817-3738