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NYPIRG Analysis of New York State Campaign Finance Filings for the First Half of 2008

NYPIRG Calls on Board of Elections to Enforce State's Corporate Contribution Limits

Download NYPIRG's Analysis of the Senate & Assembly's 2008-9 Member Items

View 2008's 'Fat Cat Factor'

NYPIRG Legislative Counsel Russ Haven's testimony before the Assembly Standing Committee on Governmental Operations

State-by-state Comparison Shows New York Has One Of the Nation's Weakest Ethics Laws

SUPPORT NYPIRG

Good Government

Campaign Finance Reform Research and Adovcacy
NYPIRG monitors New York State and local governments and issues reports on special interest influence in Albany and New York City. In 1998, NYPIRG played a lead role in winning important changes to New York City's campaign finance law, widely considered the most comprehensive local reform program in the nation. In 2005, NYPIRG successfully fought to have candidates for local office throughout the state electronically disclose their fundraising in the same manner as statewide candidates. This year, NYPIRG is fighting to improve disclosure requirements, strengthen enforcement of campaign finance violations, and close several loopholes in New York's election law.

Election Reform Advocacy & The Help America Vote Act
NYPIRG plays a leading role in New York State to strengthen and protect our right to vote. Every year, our college campuses register thousands of students to vote. We have recently secured a major victory in ensuring that the vast majority of New Yorkers will have access to secure, reliable voting machines for the 2008 elections.

Redistricting Reform
The New York State Legislature is infamous for drawing gerrymandered district lines in such comical shapes as "Abraham Lincoln Riding a Vacuum Cleaner" and "Bug Splattered on a Windshield." NYPIRG is pushing for a constitutional amendment to create an independent redistricting commission, ensuring that legislative districts are drawn to best represent New Yorkers, rather than improve a legislator's shot at reelection

Ethics Reform
Recent scandals in Albany highlight the need for a strengthened ethics commission, improved legislative financial disclosure reports, and a prohibition of "personal use" of campaign funds.

2008 Reform NY Day of Action
NYPIRG played a key role in organizing this year's Reform Day. On April 29th, 2008, hundreds of activists from around the state came to Albany to meet with their legislators, rally outside the Capitol, and hear speeches from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith. If you believe Albany needs reforming and would like to be notified the next time a similar opportunity for action comes up, please e-mail wmahoney@nypirg.org

-Read the 2008 Reform Day support memos:
Campaign Finance Reform
Ethics Reform
Redistricting Reform
Rules Reform