It was wonderful to see so many of you at our recent Civic Conversation. I want to thank Bradley Tusk for joining us for a thought-provoking discourse about his working philosophy of politics, particularly as it relates to mobile voting. Thank you to our board member John Avlon for facilitating an informative and engaging discussion. Also, a special thank you to King & Spalding for hosting and sponsoring the event.
The end of this month marks Memorial Day, a day for us to honor the members of our military who have died while serving in the United States armed forces, as well as the beginning of summer. We have much to look forward to in the coming months with the June primary election, the state legislative session’s ending, and the passage of the city budget.
You can read more about all that and more in this edition of The Reformer.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
WATCH OUR CIVIC CONVERSATION WITH BRADLEY TUSK HERE
POLICY UPDATES
NYC Campaign Finance Board Endorses Moving Local Elections to Even-Numbered Years
At the beginning of this month, the New York City Campaign Finance Board’s Voter Analysis Report recommended moving local elections to on-cycle years. Their recommendation follows our January report Moving Elections to Even-Numbered Years, detailing the benefits of aligning New York City elections with gubernatorial or presidential elections.
Our research shows that this common-sense reform will increase the number of New Yorkers voting in races for key city offices, have our electorate better reflect the diversity of our city, and save money.
State Budget Includes $39.5 Million for New York State Public Campaign Finance Board
Over a month late, the state budget finally passed. Despite the frustrating process, there was good news for democratic voting reform as the final budget included $39.5 million for the New York State Public Campaign Finance Program.
Funding for the statewide matching funds program will curb the influence of big donors in politics. Thank you to everyone who contacted their representatives to advocate for this achievement of the reform agenda!
Advocacy for Voting Rights Package in Remaining Days of Session
In the remaining weeks of the state legislative session, lawmakers have the opportunity to pass several common-sense measures to improve the voting experience in New York State. Citizens Union joined lawmakers and members of the Let NY Vote Coalition in Albany to rally in support of a comprehensive voting rights package.
Sponsored by Assembly Member Dinowtiz and Senator Nathalia Fernandez, one bill in the package would preserve the absentee ballot access New Yorkers had during the pandemic. This legislation would clarify that New Yorkers can vote absentee if there is a risk of contracting or spreading a disease. Passing this measure will prevent inconsistencies across the state’s local board of elections and allow New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote safely.
Continuing the Fight to Fund City Watchdogs in the City’s Budget
As the City’s budget process accelerates, we continue to fight to ensure watchdog agencies have the resources they need to hold the city government accountable.
In his proposed budget, the Mayor made significant reductions to key oversight agencies. Reducing resources will severely hinder their ability to ensure accountability, ethics, and good governance across the municipal workforce.
In response to the Mayor’s preliminary budget, the New York City Council addressed our concerns over the proposed cuts to the Department of Investigation, including the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD and the Civilian Complaint Review Board.
This month, Citizens Union sent a letter calling on the city council to reject the Mayor’s proposed budget cuts to oversight agencies in the final budget.
Save the Date for the 2023 Gotham Greats Celebration on Tuesday, October 24! And look out for further details coming soon.
CU IN THE NEWS
City & State
New York City elections in presidential years? Consultants don’t like it
May 4, 2023
Spectrum News 1
New York watchdogs want more sunlight for little-known government entity
May 31, 2023
GOTHAM GAZETTE
How Mayor Adams’ Albany Agenda Fared in the New State Budget
by Samar Khurshid
State Budget Includes $1 Billion Mental Health Agenda, Additional Push to Restore Psychiatric Beds
by Ethan Geringer-Sameth
Budget Includes $39.5 Million for New State Public Campaign Finance System
by Ethan Geringer-Sameth
Staffing Challenges Undermine Anti-Corruption Efforts at City Agencies, New Report Finds
by Samar Khurshid