Dear Lucas,
It is budget season in Albany, and campaign season too - with large political contributions being made as important decisions are made about how the state spends money and taxes New Yorkers.
The "pay to play" culture is thriving this time of year in our state capitol. But you can raise your voice and say enough already to the governor and legislators and ask them to take down the "For Sale" sign and enact comprehensive campaign finance reform.
Take action to achieve campaign finance reform during the state budget process by emailing your state government leaders today.
Right now, Governor Cuomo is negotiating with leaders of the legislature – Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Senate Co-Leaders Jeffrey Klein and Dean Skelos – to determine the spending of the taxpayers' money in the annual budget.
Many policy priorities are included in the budget, and Citizens Union is calling on the state's leaders to pass a budget with campaign finance reform. The solution is to replicate the city's successful campaign finance system at the state level so lawmakers can rely on small-dollar contributions to fund their campaigns and end the dominating effect of large contributions on our political process.
In a Citizens Union report released today, we showed how a public campaign finance program in the city contributes in more voter choice and greater candidate competition than in state legislative contests. We already knew campaign finance reform was important for our democracy, but this report makes it even more clear.
Can we count on you to help achieve campaign finance reform in the state's budget? Email your elected leaders today.
Sincerely,
Dick Dadey
Executive Director