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.
March 16, 2017 - Nonprofit and political fundraising activity conducted so close to city hall decisions still not ethical.
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.
October 9, 2015 - Increased Regulation of Independent Spending Needed at State Level.
June 26, 2015 - Urge governor, legislative leaders, to convene special session.
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.
April 16, 2015 - The LLC loophole keeps voters in the dark about contributors who pour millions of dollars into New York campaigns.
April 13, 2015 - Ask Governor Cuomo to Publicly Voice His Support for Immediate Action.
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.
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.
March 29, 2014 - On proposed changes in the state budget to campaign finance, election enforcement and ethics.
March 26, 2014 - Board notifies citizens union it has ended “investigation” into assemblymember it never started.
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.
February 18, 2014 - Cuomo must stand firm and ensure comprehensive reform is passed in this year’s budget.
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.
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.
January 4, 2012 - Establishment of a campaign finance system based on New York City model will build on Cuomo's first-year accomplishments in changing Albany's culture.
December 21, 2011 - Doing business limitations remain an important component of city's robust campaign finance program
May 11, 2011 - Reforms would limit disproportionate influence of lobbyists also involved in political campaigns and money raising. Good Government Group urges restrictions on public funds for political candidates connected to lobbyists. Fourteen recommendations to be formally presented at city lobbying commission tonight also include moving oversight and enforcement from the city clerk's office to the campaign finance board.
February 17, 2009 - Business interests dominate campaign donations; real estate and health care industries biggest corporate campaign contributors. Civic groups call for public financing of elections and other campaign reforms.
May 8, 2008 - Historic Good Government Group far prefers a matching program over full financing; urges Governor and State Legislature to pass meaningful campaign finance reform legislation before session ends. Good Government Group believes matching program is best use of public funds because it still allows for voters to participate in democracy by making contributions throughout the course of a campaign.
June 12, 2007 - INTRODUCTION 586: A LOCAL LAW TO AMEND THE NEW YORK CITY CHARTER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE…
June 5, 2007 - Proper disclosure, support for small gifts, strong public financing, and rigorous enforcement have been key elements to the success and integrity of the program. We believe these new changes will help lock in all of these elements for years to come.
Citizens Union is a leading advocate for campaign finance reform and has long been concerned about the undue influence of…
Citizens Union has long advocated for campaign finance reforms and against the undue influence of money on campaigns, candidates and…