FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2023
Contact: Jake Oliver, jake@anatgerstein.com, (347) 361-9983
New York, N.Y. (February 1, 2023) — Citizens Union has issued to following statement from executive director Betsy Gotbaum in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY2024 executive budget, which was released earlier today:
“Governor Hochul’s first budget as an elected Governor presented an opportunity to move past the culture of corruption that has plagued Albany for generations. Also, it presented an opportunity to make New York State government more transparent, accountable and accessible. Unfortunately, the FY2024 executive budget released today falls short in many areas.
“We are disappointed that the Governor only included $25 million for matching funds in the Public Campaign Finance Program. Although the budget funds the Public Campaign Finance Board administrative needs, it leaves the program substantially underfunded by providing only a fraction of the $100 million the agency requested. A strong matching funds program is the best way to curb the influence of mega donors, while allowing candidates who rely on everyday New Yorkers giving smaller contributions to wage competitive campaigns.
“We are pleased that the budget funds the new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government with $7.78 million, the amount sought by the Commission, which will support its new responsibilities on ethics training and oversight.
“We encourage Speaker Heastie and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to ensure the full $114.5 million requested by the Public Campaign Finance Board is included in the state’s final FY 2023-2024 budget, and continue to offer reforms to improve our elections.”
For follow-up, please contact Jake Oliver at Anat Gerstein, Inc. at
jake@anatgerstein.com or 347-361-9983
About Citizens Union
For 125 years, Citizens Union has been a force for transparency, accountability and ethics in New York’s City and State governments. A nonpartisan organization, some of our current initiatives include a new agenda for police accountability, monitoring the City Council’s redistricting process and increasing civic engagement. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.
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