Senator Kennedy Applauds AG Schneiderman’s New Requirements to Combat ‘Dark Money,’ Boost Transparency in Political Campaigns

New regulations from AG Schneiderman will shed light on the influence of “dark money” in NY government and politics. 

Kennedy says Schneiderman’s new regulations partnered with real campaign finance reform will boost transparency, combat corruption and eliminate undue corporate influence over the will of the people

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, applauded the efforts of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman today as he announced new regulations and reporting requirements that will combat “dark money” and increase transparency in state government and politics.

“More money is being spent on political campaigns than ever before. In the absence of reporting requirements, voters are left in the dark about who’s really paying for the ads trying to influence their vote,” said Senator Kennedy. “With the regulations proposed by Attorney General Schneiderman, the state will shed light on the ‘dark money’ being poured into election campaigns. The new disclosure requirements will ensure that these outside groups are reporting the source of their finances and the motivations behind their politically-driven actions. Attorney General Schneiderman understands the urgent need to combat corruption and the influence of money in politics, and I applaud him for his efforts.”

As Schneiderman detailed in a news release from his office, the new regulations will require “nonprofit groups, including 501(c)(4) “social welfare” organizations that are registered with the state, to report the percentage of their expenditures that go to federal, state and local electioneering. Those groups that spend at least $10,000 to influence state and local elections in New York will be required to file itemized schedules of expenses and contributions. Under the proposed new rules, those disclosures will be released to the public.”

At a press conference Tuesday outside the Erie County Board of Elections, Kennedy and Senator-elect Ted O’Brien, D-Rochester, called on their colleagues in the State Senate and Assembly to take action on real campaign finance reform.

“It is my hope that our legislative colleagues will act with urgency on campaign finance reform. The Attorney General’s new reporting regulations partnered with significant fair-elections reforms will boost transparency, combat corruption and eliminate undue corporate influence over the will of the people in the electoral process,” Kennedy added. “The time has come for action. This will be another step forward in our fight to clean up Albany.”   

###

Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 58th District, which is comprised of the towns of Cheektowaga, Eden, Hamburg and West Seneca, the city of Lackawanna and parts of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at kennedy.nysenate.gov.