06.08.2016

NEW YORK – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York will become the first state in the nation to curb the power of independent expenditure campaigns unleashed by the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission.

The Governor’s Counsel, Alphonso David, issued an opinion to enforcement entities offering guidance on existing state law and whether coordination exists between independent expenditure campaigns and the candidates they support. The opinion clarifies permissible conduct under state law and works to preserve the integrity of the electoral process in New York.

The Governor is also advancing legislation which would limit the “quid pro quo” danger posed by colossal corporate donations and ensure that independent expenditure groups remain autonomous from the entities they support. 

 
Andrew Friedman, Co-Executive Director at Center for Popular Democracy, released the following statement:

“Citizens United has done more to undermine the integrity of elections both in New York and nationally than any other Supreme Court decision in recent memory. Thankfully, Governor Cuomo is leading the way and preserving the right of every citizen to take part in their government. 

By working to combat Citizens United and prohibit any form of coordination between independent entities, as well as ensure full disclosure of all donors, the Governor is reforming a broken, archaic campaign finance system. I commend Governor Cuomo for his continued commitment to ethics and integrity in Government and I look forward to seeing these protections swiftly enacted."

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The Center for Popular Democracy promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD builds the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda.

Contact: 

Asya Pikovsky, apikovsky@populardemocracy.org, 207-522-2442

Anita Jain, ajain@populardemocracy.org, 347-636-9761