NY LEGISLATURE FUNDS HISTORIC SMALL-DOLLAR MATCHING SYSTEM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MAY 3, 2023

PRESS CONTACT:
Monica Garcia, [email protected]

NEW YORK — Last night, the New York State Legislature passed critical funding for the state’s recently launched small-dollar matching program. The voluntary public financing program, which passed the legislature in 2020, allows candidates for state legislative and statewide offices to access public matching funds based on the small-dollar donations they raise in order to reduce the impact of wealthy donors. It is the first statewide small-dollar matching program in the country.

Stand Up America Executive Director Christina Harvey issued the following statement:

“Last night, lawmakers made good on their promise to reduce the influence of wealthy donors in New York politics. New York’s small-dollar matching program will put power back in the hands of everyday New Yorkers and enable candidates and elected officials to focus on the issues that matter most to their communities.

“New York’s statewide small-dollar matching program is the first of its kind in the country and provides a significant boost in the national movement to reduce the influence of money in politics. 

“Stand Up America applauds Governor Hochul and Senate and Assembly leaders for prioritizing small-dollar matching, and we encourage every state lawmaker to participate in the program to reduce the influence of wealthy donors in our state.”

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-dollar matching program and believe state leaders should provide sufficient funding for the program. Stand Up America members in New York drove over 4,000 constituent calls and emails this session urging their legislators to fund the small-dollar matching program. 

To speak with a Stand Up America representative about our work in New York, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].

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