Support Campaign Finance Reform
Year after year, the environmental community has watched key legislative priorities die in Albany because of the millions of dollars in industry lobbying expenses and campaign contributions that insulate decision makers from acting in the public interest. New York's current campaign finance system has made our elected officials reliant on large checks from donors who contribute solely to influence government decisions. Voters without the means to write similar checks are left on the outside with less access to politicians who need to hear their concerns. It is difficult to turn the tide against the issues like fracking or climate change when an unfair advantage is given to wealthy industries that block even the most basic environmental safeguards and policies. Now, more than ever, campaign finance reform must be seen as a critical environmental issue.
While the Green Panel (the panel comprised of NYS environmental groups) has not designated any current legislation as a Super Bill, legislation that is introduced with the following criteria will be given Super Bill status.
Public Financing
- Institute a matching program that empowers small donors based on the system currently used in NYC; a 6-to-1 public match on small contributions up to $175 from natural persons residing in NY.
- Participating candidates would not be subject to spending limits, but the total amount of public funds available for each candidate would be capped at a reasonable limit. Lower limits would apply to candidates facing no, or minimal opposition.
- Require participating candidates to appear in public debates and a Voter Guide.
- Include a local public financing option.
Enforcement and Administration
- Create a new, truly independent oversight and enforcement body with responsibility for public financing and all campaign finance law administration, including helping candidates comply and proposing improvements to the system.
- Ensure that the Attorney General and local district attorneys can independently of the State Board of Elections investigate and prosecute alleged violations of the Election Law.
- Substantially increase fines for exceeding contribution limits and violating campaign finance disclosure laws.
Reasonable Contribution Limits
- Reduce the individual contribution limit to $2,000 from any source for all candidates, whether or not they participate in the public financing system.
- Reduce limits on political parties, and place tighter regulations on their election-related spending.
"Pay to Play" Rules for Contractors and Lobbyists
- Protect against "pay-to-play" by reducing contribution limits for lobbyists and contractors doing business with the state, and by declining to provide public matching funds for contributions by lobbyists and contractors.
Robust Disclosure of Money in Politics
- Improved disclosure of independent political spending - including all express advocacy, and electioneering communications targeting the public.
- Require disclosure, including names and addresses, from bundlers.