Albany, NY – In response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address, Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York said:
In today’s State of the State Address, Governor Andrew Cuomo boldly called for what could become the most important reform in the nation in 2012: reducing the massive influence of big money in our political system through a voluntary system of public financing of elections for New York State. In a year when unlimited corporate spending will dominate national elections, the Governor is proposing that New York State take the lead in putting our democracy back in the hands of the 99%.
The Occupy movement has inspired a national conversation that puts focus squarely on the destructive role of money in politics. Public financing of elections has proven to be an effective system to increase public participation in our political system and make elected officials more accountable to their constituents, rather than big corporations, lobbyists, and high donors.
Under the kind of system outlined by the Governor today, small contributions made by regular New Yorkers will be matched with public funds, making it possible for candidates who refuse big money contributions to win election with the support of contributions from the 99%. There is no better way to put our government back in the hands of the people, reduce government corruption, and restore public trust than a system of publicly financed voter owned elections.
For years the Assembly has shown great leadership by passing legislation, sponsored by Speaker Silver, to create a public campaign financing system based on the New York City model. Our 20,000 members and dozens of allied organizations will strongly urge the State Senate to join the Assembly and Governor in rejecting the old system of pay-to-play politics, and finally allow New Yorkers to own their elections once again.
Governor Cuomo made it clear today that New York needs public financing of elections so ordinary New Yorkers can once again play an active role in our democracy. Without public funding of elections, the public will continue to be shut out of state government – while the corporate lobbyists call the shots. Passage of public financing of elections will ensure that all citizens of the state have their voices heard in state politics.
We’re proud to work alongside Governor Cuomo and with our strong supporters in the legislature to make sure public financing of elections is enacted in 2012, and we applaud him for making it a priority.
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