To comprehend the widespread skepticism and disillusionment of New Yorkers towards their government and politics, it is essential to examine the actions of lawmakers during the final hours of the legislative session. These lawmakers deliberately undermined campaign finance reforms aimed at diminishing the influence of wealthy donors.
In 2019, significant reforms were passed to revamp the financing of state elections. The objective was to motivate and empower smaller contributors by providing a matching funds program that would match each dollar given with up to $12, for contributions up to $250. However, if a donor exceeded the $250 threshold, their contribution would no longer be eligible for matching funds.
This reform had the potential to revolutionize New York politics by urging lawmakers to prioritize the concerns of voters over those of wealthy individuals. Unfortunately, the Democratic-controlled Legislature, which has long advocated for such changes, decided to intervene and disrupt the reform’s progress.
The reasoning behind this interference was evident: transforming the political landscape in New York might jeopardize the re-election of incumbents. As a result, lawmakers amended the law so that the first $250 of any contribution, regardless of its size, would qualify for matching funds. Consequently, a substantial donation of, let’s say, $5,000 to a state Senate candidate would receive a match of $2,300 in public funds.
This modification completely contradicted the original intent of the reform. Instead of reducing the power and influence of larger donors, it actually enhanced them, and with taxpayers’ money, no less. In other words, the average voters who were supposed to benefit from this reform are now inadvertently funding its own undoing. This is a worsening of the existing status quo.
Furthermore, lawmakers also made it more challenging for candidates to qualify for the program, disproportionately affecting political newcomers who lack the advantages of incumbency. This alteration significantly diminishes the reform’s potential to foster competition among candidates.
Undoubtedly, the timing and motives behind these changes perfectly exemplify the politics of Albany and confirm the expectations of many disillusioned New Yorkers. The derailment of a crucial reform that was set to be implemented in the upcoming elections is a regressive setback, reflecting the blatancy of duplicity.
The fact that Democrats are responsible for this maneuver is particularly disheartening. For years, the party professed support for campaign finance reform, often attributing a lack of progress to Republican control of the state Senate. They promised that once given control of the Legislature, they would enact the necessary changes to curtail the influence of prominent donors and fortify democracy.
Now, Democrats have exposed the insincerity of these promises. Ultimately, they are behaving just like incumbents always have – prioritizing self-preservation over their professed commitment to reform and democracy.
However, there is still hope. The disgraceful change has not yet become law. Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to veto the bill, and we strongly urge her to do so.
Such a veto would align with the principles of a governor who entered office promising a new era of transparency and changes to the culture of Albany. Will Ms. Hochul uphold her previous statements? Or will the cynics of New York once again be proven right?
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