March 19, 2020 - Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum, urging the New York State Legislature and Board of Elections to take measures to ensure the 2020 elections in New York State run smoothly, while protecting public health and reducing community transmission of COVID-19
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency in New York State and…
March 16, 2020 - As the world grapples with how to address the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak and New Yorkers are encouraged to practice social distancing, Citizens Union, New York’s preeminent nonpartisan good government group, encouraged New Yorkers to remember to complete the 2020 census.
March 12, 2020 - Citizens Union has issued the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum applauding the State Supreme Court for ruling the Public Campaign Financing and Election Commission unconstitutional
February 19, 2020 - A cornerstone of our republic has always been a justice system committed to fairness, honesty and integrity. The rule of law is only as strong as the dedicated men and women who enforce it on our behalf in the U.S. Justice Department. But now, their work is under political attack by a President who thinks it appropriate to call for the prosecution of his political enemies and the protection of his political allies. If we are to keep our republic, this latest affront to our democracy cannot go unchecked and unchallenged.
January 9, 2020 - We have issued the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum applauding the Senate for passing Automatic Voter Registration and on-campus polling site bills
December 18, 2019 - We urge the State Legislature to reconvene and reject proposals put forth by the New York State Public Campaign Financing Commission
The purpose of campaign finance reform is to reduce the influence of large contributions in our political system, to encourage…
November 19, 2019 - We thank Governor Cuomo for this funding will help ensure that all New Yorkers are counted in the 2020 census.
November 5, 2019 - Citizens Union is pleased that New York City voters have embraced reforms to make our city elections more democratic, and increase oversight of the police department.
October 22, 2019 - Thanks to the advocacy of Citizens Union, this fall New York becomes the 38th state to implement early voting.
October 22, 2019 - Citizens Union announced its endorsements of Jumaane Williams and Melinda Katz.
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.
October 4, 2019 - For the past 125 years, Citizens Union has sounded a clarion call for good government in New York, holding state and local officials accountable for their actions. But of late, we have also had to speak up for the first time in our history about events unfolding in Washington that are so troubling they compel people of conscience to call them out. Sadly, now is once again such a time.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2019 Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, (347) 361-9983 Statement from Randy Mastro, Chair of Citizens Union…
July 25, 2019 — Citizens Union, a leading good government group committed to fostering accountability, accessibility, and transparency in our government issues the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum on the proposals put on the ballot by the Charter Revision Commission.
July 23, 2019 - Last night, New York lost a brilliant public servant and legal mind. For over four decades, first as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and then as Manhattan's long-serving District Attorney, Bob worked tirelessly to make New York a safer and fairer place for all. He was relentless and fearless, taking on corporate greed, organized crime and crooked politicians in the pursuit of justice.
June 27, 2019 - Today's Supreme Court decision, denying the Commerce Department's request to include a "citizenship question" on the 2020 census is a victory for democracy.
June 17, 2019 - After undertaking a rigorous evaluation of candidates running in the upcoming Democratic Primary for Queens District Attorney Citizens Union, New York’s preeminent nonpartisan good government groups today announced its preference of Gregory Lasak.
June 14, 2019 - Citizens Union applauds the Mayor and the City Council on funding the 2020 census.
April 29, 2019 - The recently passed reforms, including early voting, are an important first step. But reforms without the funds to properly implement them are not enough.
April 23, 2019 - Reforms recently passed in Albany are an important first step to protecting and expanding New Yorkers’ right to vote, but they must be implemented carefully and in good faith.
March 29, 2019 - Given whats at stake, $40 million for community based outreach represents an incredibly wise investment.
March 12, 2019 - Ed Mangano betrayed voters by using the office of the County Executive for personal financial gain.
February 22, 2019 - After undertaking a rigorous evaluation of 11 candidates running in the upcoming special election for Public Advocate, Citizens Union, one of New York State’s preeminent nonpartisan good government groups today announced its endorsement of Michael Blake.