Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his plan to push for a system of public financing during this year's legislative session, something the New York Times recently editorialized on.

As stated in Cuomo's prepared remarks, "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."

Below are a few news stories and reactions to the speech.

Public Campaign's Nick Nyhart: "The American people are tired of elections sold to the highest bidder and Gov. Cuomo and the New York legislature can show Congress and statehouses across the country that there is a better, more accountable, and more fair way."

Citizens Action of New York's Karen Scharff: "Governor Cuomo made it clear today that New York needs public financing of elections so ordinary New Yorkers can once again play an active role in our democracy. Without public funding of elections, the public will continue to be shut out of state government – while the corporate lobbyists call the shots. Passage of public financing of elections will ensure that all citizens of the state have their voices heard in state politics."

Center for Working Family's Dave Palmer: "It's no secret: big contributors too often get big policy results—even if they aren't in the state's best interests. Matching small campaign donations with public dollars is the single best way to reduce the reliance of politicians on big money and give the rest of us a voice."

Common Cause New York's Susan Lerner: "The Governor struck a significant blow for democracy today. Public financing of elections is at the core of campaign finance reform and we applaud his outstanding commitment to increasing political participation. Our politics is out of control, undermined by the myriad loopholes used to skirt campaign contribution limits and the lack of meaningful enforcement. The Governor understands that an engaged citizenry is essential to preserving our democracy."

The Brennan Center's Michael Waldman was on Captol Tonight praising Cuomo's plan for public financing. In a statement, Waldman said "Today we heard real leadership. Governor Cuomo’s strong call for voluntary public funding of campaigns is an exciting and vital proposal. It could make New York a national example of how to revitalize our democracy at all levels. Meaningful campaign reform would curb corruption and boost accountability."

Campaign Finance Institute's Michael Malbin: "If Gov. Cuomo’s proposal is enacted, it could well become a model for campaign finance laws across the nation.”

The Wall Street Journal wrote that, "Revisiting a campaign pledge, Cuomo called for lower campaign contribution limits and a system of public financing of political campaigns that would be modeled after the one instituted in New York City."

The New York Times editorial board wrote, "On the good-government front, Governor Cuomo repeated his pledge to revamp the campaign finance system and veto politically drawn district maps this year. If he really wants to end Albany's dysfunction, he must do both this year."

According to the national publication Governors Journal, "The proposal sure to get the most attention however, is Cuomo's plan to phase in a system of public campaign financing."

And PolitickerNY referred to the governor's campaign finance reform plans as the"centerpiece" for "making over state government."

The Associated Press, New York Times, Staten Island Advance, Albany Times Union, the Syracuse Post-Standard and others also covered the issue. There should be more to come over the next few days.