Press Releases

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 Groups Webcast New York State Assembly Committee Meetings Using Smart Phones

March 19, 2014 - Webcasts provide transparency of important stage in legislative process during Sunshine Week.

Good Government Groups To Webcast New York State Assembly Committee Meetings Using Smart Phones

March 18, 2014 - Will provide transparency of important stage in legislative process during sunshine week.

Ben Max Appointed New Executive Editor of GothamGazette.com

March 4, 2014 - Citizens Union Foundation hires decidenyc.com founder to lead its pioneering watchdog journalism publication.

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 Welcomes Decision by City Board of Elections to Make Ballot More Readable by Increasing Font Size

February 4, 2014 - Most New Yorkers will no longer have to squint or use a magnifying glass to read their election ballot when they vote. The City Board of Elections today voted to limit the number of required languages on voters’ ballots to three – down from as many as five in previous elections – paving the way for increasing the font size of candidates’ names and removing unnecessary clutter from the ballot.

New Report Details Opportunities And Challenges For Reform Of NYC Civil Service System

January 29, 2014 - Release in advance of tonight’s civic conversation will begin civic dialogue on reform options for new administration.

Citizens Union Congratulates Melissa Mark-Viverito on Selection as Next Speaker of New York City Council

January 8, 2014 - Calls on members of the council to embrace reforms to create a more democratic body and strong, effective speaker.

Statement on the Mayor’s Judicial Appointments by Citizens Union, the Fund for Modern Courts and the New York City Bar Association

December 17, 2013 - Three Civic Groups urge Mayor-Elect de Blasio to continue merit selection process for city judges begun by Mayor Koch.

Citizens Union Praises Speaker Quinn and City Council for Passage of New Lobbying Laws

December 10, 2013 Reforms will increase transparency and tighten oversight to further ensure a healthy democracy.

Reformers Urge Action on Moreland Commission Recommendations

December 9, 2013 - Stating that the board of elections “must go,” groups call for new campaign finance enforcement agency to regulate and enforce campaign finance laws for both public and private financing of elections.

Citizens Union Names its Top Ten List of Surprising and Shocking Findings from Moreland Commission Report

December 4, 2013 - We at Citizens Union know that corruption and influence peddling are widespread, but the Moreland Commission did a great job bringing to light specific details of how wrongdoing – even when it is legal - takes place in our state capitol.

Moreland Commission Report Details Extent Of State Corruption

December 3, 2013 - Citizens Union welcomes broad scope of recommendations.

Citizens Union Hails Mayor Bloomberg’s Signing Of Law To Webcast City Agency Meetings

December 2, 2013 - Measure an important milestone for greater transparency in city government.

Citizens Union Announces Majority Support In New York City Council For Long-needed Council Rules Reforms

November 20, 2013 - Widespread support exists to address even those personal benefits often prized by councilmembers - reduce number of committees, limit “Lulus” to leadership positions, and create a more equitable and needs-based discretionary funding process.

Citizens Union Announces Majority Support in New York City Council for Long-Needed Council Rules Reforms

November 20, 2013 - Widespread Support Exists to Address Even Those Personal Benefits Often Prized by Councilmembers - Reduce Number of Committees, Limit “Lulus” to Leadership Positions, and Create a More Equitable and Needs-Based Discretionary Funding Process

Citizens Union Applauds Passage Of City Council Legislation To Webcast City Agency Meetings

November 14, 2013 - Measure an important milestone for greater transparency in City Government.

Citizens Union Champions New Lobbying Reforms Before City Council

November 7, 2013 - Legislation and resolution sponsored by Mayor and speaker increase transparency and tighten oversight to further ensure a healthy democracy. Legislation results from 2011 city lobbying commission report includes many Citizens Union recommendations.

Citizens Union Announces Endorsements For 2013 General Election Contests For Borough President, District Attorney & City Council

October 25, 2013 - Endorses Eric Adams, Melinda Katz and James Oddo in borough president races and Ken Thompson and Cy Vance for district attorney. Supports the re-Election of councilmember Mark Weprin; favors Republicans John Quaglione, David Storobin and Steven Matteo in 3 competitive races, among its 8 total council endorsements.