White Plains CitizeNetReporter - <i>Amy Paulin's Albany:</i> Amy's Campaign Spending Curbs Headed to Senate

From the Albany Offices of
White Plains' Assemblywoman

Amy Paulin announces passage in the Assembly of her campaign finance reform measure designed to stem the influence of special interest money on elections. It now awaits Senate consideration.

“It’s time to restore public confidence in the way elections are run in New York,” Paulin said. “This legislation helps open up our election process and rebuild faith in our democratic system.”

Paulin sponsored the Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002 to provide public matching funds to campaigns for state office that limit contributions and campaign spending (A.8524a).

“To reform how political campaigns are financed, we must first curb the vast sums of special interest money,” Paulin said. “Publicly financed campaigns will help protect the integrity of candidates and the legislative process.”

Income Tax Checkoff Ready for Signing

The legislation also creates an income tax check-off to help build a non-partisan, state-controlled campaign fund for eligible candidates. In addition, the legislation:

• sets limits on the amount of money that can be donated to candidates or political committees;
• closes loopholes that allow corporations to avoid campaign contribution limits by funneling donations through subsidiary companies; and
• bans fundraisers by state legislators or statewide candidates within 40 miles of Albany during the legislative session.

Turns Soft Money Hard

The legislation bans unlimited ‘soft money’ contributions to political parties’ housekeeping accounts. Those accounts are currently exempt from the contribution and receipt limitations applicable to campaign accounts.

Assembly sensitive, Paulin says. Urges Senate cooperation.

Paulin noted that the Assembly has consistently passed legislation to reform the way campaigns are run and financed in New York:

“The Assembly has a strong record of supporting reforms to the state’s arcane campaign finance system,” Paulin said. “Unfortunately, the Senate and governor have failed to share our sense of urgency. I urge them to join us in enacting these initiatives this year.”

Paulin's aggressive stance on campaign finance reform grew out of her having served as president of Westchester’s League of Women Voters, and on the Westchester Campaign Finance Commission, which recommended the public financing of county campaigns.

“Sponsoring this legislation is part of my ongoing commitment to a fair and positive election process in New York State,” she concluded.

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin of the 88th Assembly District represents the city of White Plains in Albany. She reports regularly to WPCNR on issues affecting White Plains. You may reach her at (914) 723-1115, in Westchester, or in Albany at (518) 455-5585, or e-mail the Assemblywoman at paulina@assembly.state.ny.us.


Create an account		The White Plains Daily Internet Newspaper...Founded 2000 A.D....


			Designed and hosted by WestchesterInternet.com