Hundreds of Grassroots Activists From Across the State Pledge to Join Governor Cuomo in His Effort to Reform New York’s Broken Campaign Finance System; Latest Polling Shows Strong & Growing Bipartisan Support Across All Regions of NY In Favor of Public Campaign Financing
(Albany, NY) – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reaffirmed his commitment to public campaign financing as part of a comprehensive package of campaign finance reforms during a first-of-its-kind telephone town hall with New Yorkers from across the state last night. Advocates heard the Governor make a call to action to grassroots organizations and supporters to fight for Fair Elections this legislative session.
Governor Cuomo recognizes that our current system is broken, and he has identified the solution. Momentum is building across the state as New Yorkers join the Governor in calling for a package of reforms, with public campaign financing at its core.
“Governor Cuomo’s call to action will galvanize New Yorkers to demand citizen-funded elections,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York. “Our grassroots movement will fight to make the voices of voters heard in Albany. With Governor Cuomo’s support, we know we can take our democracy back.”
“Democracy means one person, one vote — not one dollar, one vote,” said Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the New York Working Families Party. “New Yorkers are ready to take on the corrupting influence of big money in politics, and we’re glad to have Governor Cuomo helping to lead the charge.”
“With a country hungry for political leadership on this issue, Governor Cuomo and supportive New York legislators stand out nationally in their efforts to restore our government to one that is truly of, by, and for the people,” said Nick Nyhart, President and CEO of Public Campaign.
“Common Causers from around the state were excited to be among the more than 1,000 participants in last night’s historic telephone town hall to hear Governor Cuomo outline his plan for bringing Fair Elections reform to New York State’s election campaigns,” said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY. “We dedicated to working with Governor Cuomo and our coalition partners to mobilize and engage New Yorkers, showing the Legislature the extent of the broad support for citizen-funded Fair Elections reform.”
“Governor Cuomo has clearly shown over the past five days that he is committed to providing the necessary leadership to pass a comprehensive campaign finance reform with citizen funded elections .at its core,” said Jonathan Soros, Co-founder of Friends of Democracy. “Together with other necessary reforms, citizen funded elections – small contributions from ordinary citizens matched with a limited amount of public money – have the capacity to transform the way that money flows in and around our politics. We thank the governor for his leadership and will mobilize the popular will for New York’s Senators and Assembly members to join him to restore public trust in our government.”
“Our democratic system works when we are political equals. We are entitled to a government that represents our interests, not one dominated by elite economic interests,” said Liz Kennedy, Counsel at Demos. “We need fundamental reform, and the time is now for Fair Elections to put the citizens of New York back in the center of our democracy.”
“For government to be effective, it must be trusted,” said Michael Kink, Executive Director of the Strong Economy for All Coalition. “Right now, people believe that campaigns – and subsequently government – are financed by big moneyed interests. Enacting Fair Elections reforms will restore public trust by limiting the power of the big moneyed interests and putting everyday New Yorkers back in the driver’s seat — and that will result in broader prosperity and more economic fairness.”
“By prioritizing Fair Elections, Governor Cuomo is prioritizing the voices of regular New Yorkers, said Dave Palmer, Executive Director of the Center for Working Families. “We look forward to working with him to get this done this spring.”
“Americans for Campaign Reform stands with those across New York State who are working to bring a new politics to Albany,” said Larry Noble, President and CEO of Americans for Campaign Reform. “We applaud Governor Cuomo for highlighting the need to involve small donors in how our campaigns are funded, re-connecting voters to the political process. Political leaders from across the spectrum have an opportunity to lead the way once again and make New York State a beacon for the nation.”
“For less than two dollars per state resident, we can make our system more democratic, and the Governor knows a bargain when he sees one.” said Lisa Tyson, Director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition. “We’re proud to have Governor Cuomo standing with us in support of public campaign financing. This is a huge step forward in the movement for elections which give a voice to the people, instead of whoever can raise the most money.”
“Democracy Matters student activists throughout New York State stand with Governor Cuomo in support of Fair Elections because they recognize that public financing is critical to ensure an inclusive and fair democracy, said Joan Mandle, Executive Director of Democracy Matters. “Support for the environment, education, civil rights and other issues young people care about are all tied to getting big private money out of politics and people back in.”
For more information about how to work for campaign finance reform that will give everyday New Yorkers a voice and restore trust in government, please visit www.fairelectionsny.org.
