It's time we make sure that all New Yorkers have an equal 
voice in our political process. Therefore, it is imperative that 
we implement real campaign finance reform and provide 
citizens with a voice in the very foundation of democracy — 
the ballot box.

New York currently ranks 48th in voter turnout in the nation. 
Moreover, according to the Campaign Finance Institute, a 
smaller percentage of the population gives to candidates for 
election to state office in New York than in any other state.

We must reconnect the people to the political process and 
their government.

First, we must achieve fundamental campaign finance 
reform by implementing a system of public funding of elections. New York City's public financing system provides a good model for statewide reform. The system has helped 
to increase the number of overall contributors — and 
especially the number of small donors — in city elections. 
To make sure we are protecting taxpayers, we will enact 
strict limits on total public funding per election, and we will 
phase the system in gradually.

Second, we must lower contribution limits. For most offices, 
New York State's contribution "limits" are substantially higher 
than those of any other state that imposes limits. Further, 
existing contribution limits for corporations are riddled with 
loopholes. In short, the state's campaign finance laws fail to 
prevent the dominance of wealthy contributors and special 
interests.

Third, we must enact pay-to-play rules to further restore the 
public trust. Companies and individuals who do business 
with the state should have no undue influence over elected 
officials. Accordingly, we must enact low contribution limits 
for public contractors and lobbyists.

Fourth, we must improve the enforcement of our state's 
campaign finance laws by creating a new enforcement unit 
in the State Board of Elections with the independence and 
authority to investigate alleged violations.

These and other reforms to our campaign finance laws are 
necessary to empower New Yorkers by giving them an equal 
voice in our elections. We must enact campaign finance 
reform this year.