Campaign Finance

Citizens Union has long championed comprehensive campaign finance reform by working to reduce the corrosive impact of money in politics, including the role “big money” has in influencing who wins elections, how policy decisions are made and contracts are awarded.

Citizens Union knows that campaign finance reform will ensure politicians are putting the public’s interest ahead of special interests and prevent undue influence over decision making and we have long worked towards publicly financed elections so candidates and elected officials are accountable to the voters, not wealthy donors.

Statement from Citizens Union on the Passing of Father Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J., Founding Chair, New York City Campaign Finance Board

April 1, 2020 - Citizen’s Union, New York City’s leading good government group, issued the following statement on the passing of Father Joseph A. O’Hare, S.J:

Citizens Union Calls on Legislature to Reject Proposals Put Forth by the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission

December 18, 2019 - We urge the State Legislature to reconvene and reject proposals put forth by the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission

Statement Regarding New York State Campaign Finance Commission Report

The purpose of campaign finance reform is to reduce the influence of large contributions in our political system, to encourage…

Citizens Union Announces Positions On Ballot Proposals For 2019 General Election

October 7, 2019 - Good Government Group Supports Ranked Choice Voting, Increasing Oversight of NYPD, Modifications to the City Budget, and Changes to Land Use Review; Opposes Proposed Changes to Ethics Rule.

Albany Passes Hsitoric Pro-Democracy Reforms, Long Championed by Citizens Union

January 14, 2019 - Today, the Senate and Assembly kept their promise to New Yorkers and passed historic reforms that will protect and expand voting rights in New York State. For too long, New York has had regressive voting laws that depress voter participation.

Citizens Union Announces Positions on Ballot Proposals for 2018 General Election

October 25, 2018 Download as a PDF For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jake Oliver [email protected] 347 361 9983 CITIZENS UNION…

Testimony on the 2017 NYC Municipal Elections

January 29, 2018 -Testimony to the New York City Campaign Finance Board On the 2017 Municipal Elections January 29, 2018…

Citizens Union Calls for Incumbent District Attorneys and District Attorney Candidates to Not Accept Campaign Contributions from Lawyers with Pending Matters

October 26, 2017 - This week, Randy Mastro, Chair of Citizens Union, sent letters to the District Attorneys of New York City, on behalf of the board.

Decision Not To Prosecute Does Not Give Green Light To Mayor To Conduct Business as Usual

March 16, 2017 - Nonprofit and political fundraising activity conducted so close to city hall decisions still not ethical.

Citizens Union Proposes City Law To Regulate New Breed Of Elected Official Formed And Affiliated Nonprofit Organizations

July 6, 2016 - Good government organization calls upon mayor de blasio and council speaker mark-viverito to enact legislation requiring such nonprofits be subject to the jurisdiction of the city’s campaign finance board. Law would require groups to register, disclose activity, limit contribution size from those with business before the city, and forbid fundraising by elected official. Law needed to curb return of “pay-to-play” culture of corruption at city hall where big money poses threat to honest government decision-making. Good government group also releases letter sent to conflicts of interest board asking if recent declaration that certain specific mayoral consultants are “agents of the city” should they be required to file financial disclosure statements.

Applauds Campaign Finance Board Action Against Illegal Campaign Spending By The Advance Group

October 9, 2015 - Increased Regulation of Independent Spending Needed at State Level.

Civics Groups Decry Albany’s Unfinished Ethics Agenda

June 26, 2015 - Urge governor, legislative leaders, to convene special session.

Civic Groups Applaud Bipartisan Assembly Vote to Close the LLC Loophole

May 14, 2015 - Our groups commend the New York State Assembly for its strong two-party action with its bipartisan vote today of 120 to 8 to pass legislation that closes the limited liability company (LLC) loophole.

Deadlock Results In No Action: NYS Board Of Elections Fails To Close LLC Loophole – Bad Public Policy And Bad For Democracy

April 16, 2015 - The LLC loophole keeps voters in the dark about contributors who pour millions of dollars into New York campaigns.

Civic Groups Call on NYS Board of Elections to Close LLC Loophole

April 13, 2015 - Ask Governor Cuomo to Publicly Voice His Support for Immediate Action.

On NY Councilmember Ruben Wills Corruption Charges

May 7, 2014 - With the news that Councilmember Ruben Wills has been charged with twelve counts of criminal misconduct, the “drip drip” of political corruption continues unfortunately to flow in New York.

Reform Groups Call On Senate, Assembly To Block Passage Of Purported Campaign Finance Reforms Contained In Budget

March 31, 2014 - There has been a virtual political crime wave at the state capital – with over 30 public officials engulfed in scandal over the past eight years.

Citizens Union Statement on Proposed Changes in the State Budget

March 29, 2014 - On proposed changes in the state budget to campaign finance, election enforcement and ethics.

Board Of Elections Kicks Aside Yet Another Campaign Finance Investigation

March 26, 2014 - Board notifies citizens union it has ended “investigation” into assemblymember it never started.

Less Voter Choice And Candidate Competition In NYS Legislative Contests Than NYC Council

March 20, 2014 - CU urges public funds matching program modeled on city system be created through state budget authorizing legislation to ensure NYS voters have greater choice and fairer elections.

Good Government Coalition Presses Governor Cuomo To Keep Bold Promise To Enact Campaign Finance Reform

February 18, 2014 - Cuomo must stand firm and ensure comprehensive reform is passed in this year’s budget.

Citizens Union Calls For Systemic Change And Enactment Of Six Concrete Reforms To Stem The Crime Wave Of Public Corruption

April 3, 2013 - Responds To federal complaint against Senator Malcolm Smith and City Councilmember Dan Halloran with proposals for campaign finance reform, new power for State Attorney General and nonpartisan elections.

Schneiderman Should Investigate Common Sense Principles’ Failure To Register with Charities Bureau

November 7, 2012 - 501c4 Organization that sent political mail against Addabbo, Latimer, O'Brien senate races has not registered with the charities bureau, avoiding disclosure of financial information mandated by law.

Citizens Union and Civic Groups Defends NYC Campaign Finance System in Amicus Brief, Ognibene v. Parkes

July 2, 2012 - New York City’s model public financing system must be upheld, replicated statewide. Good Government Groups file brief in Ognibene v. Parkes.

Citizens Union Announces Participation In Fair Elections Campaign In Needed Push For Campaign Finance Reform

April 18, 2012 - Diverse coalition represents unique opportunity to achieve much-needed campaign finance reform that includes public financing. New York State should replicate city’s successful matching system that empowers small donors, closes loopholes, robustly enforces the law and ends pay-to-play culture.

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