NY LEGISLATIVE BUDGETS INCLUDE CRITICAL FUNDING FOR PROGRAM TO REDUCE INFLUENCE OF MONEY IN POLITICS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MARCH 14, 2023
PRESS CONTACT:
Monica Garcia, press@standupamerica.com
NEW YORK —Today, the New York State Senate and Assembly released their proposed budgets, which include critical funding for the recently launched small-donor matching program. The voluntary public financing program–which passed the legislature in 2020 and allows candidates for state legislative and statewide offices to access public matching funds based on the small-dollar donations they raise–was at risk of being delayed or scaled down due to the opposition of some lawmakers.
Stand Up America Executive Director Christina Harvey issued the following statement:
“A state’s budget is a reflection of its values. By including funding for New York’s small-donor matching program, lawmakers are sending the message that they stand with ordinary citizens and are ready to reduce the influence of big money in our politics.
“New Yorkers across the political spectrum are alarmed by the influence of money in politics and believe elected leaders should focus on what their communities need, not what wealthy donors want.
“Today, our leaders have taken an important step to strengthen democracy in the Empire State and give ordinary New Yorkers a louder voice in our elections. We urge Governor Hochul and legislators to stick to their word and include funding for this critical program in the final budget.”
A recent poll by Stand Up America and Data for Progress found that more than 60% of New York likely voters support the new small-donor matching program and believe state leaders should provide sufficient funding for the program in New York’s budget. In less than one week, Stand Up America members in New York have driven 1,200 constituent calls and emails urging their legislators to save the small-donor matching program.
To speak with a spokesperson about Stand Up America’s work in New York, please don’t hesitate to reach out to press@standupamerica.com
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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with nearly two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven over 1.7 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized thousands of protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
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