SEN. GIANARIS INTRODUCES CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM TO REDUCE INFLUENCE OF MONEY IN POLITICS

Gianaris: These Proposals Would Begin to Repair Our Democracy and Reduce the Influence of Money in our System

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Michael Gianaris introduced a bill to reform New York’s broken campaign finance system. The legislation would limit the amount of money people can donate to campaign committees, which is currently more than $65,000 for statewide races. The Senator’s legislation would reduce that number to just $6,000 per election.  

"New York's campaign finance system is broken and in desperate need of reform," said Senator Michael Gianaris. "These proposals would begin to repair our democracy and reduce the influence of money in our system. I urge my colleagues to pass these bills as soon as possible."

Sen. Gianaris’ bill, S.3301, would lower contribution limits for statewide candidates to $6,000 for the primary and $6,000 for the general election. Currently, the combined limit general elections is $65,100. Senate candidates would be limited to $4,000 for the primary and $4,000 for the general election and Assembly candidates would be limited to $2,000 for the primary, and $2,000 for the general election, both significantly lower than current limits. 

Senator Gianaris’ bill is part of a broader package of legislation introduced by the Democratic Conference in the State Senate aimed at reducing the impact of money in elections, increasing transparency, and restoring the public’s trust in New York State government.

High resolution photos from today’s press conference in Albany are available for download here: http://bit.ly/2nqqCfm