Issue Position: People Powered Reforms

Issue Position

Our campaign is driven by grassroots support. We reject corporate donations and money from luxury real estate developers. We do this because we are accountable to our constituents and not beholden to the monied few. We believe deeply in the importance of a robust public finance system that allows more working class folks to run for office and represent their communities.

The campaign finance system in New York State is broken. The influence and priorities of a small number of wealthy donors can overwhelm the needs and values of the majority of New Yorkers. This is a system that too often disenfranchises low-income communities, and creates near-insurmountable hurdles for insurgents, people of color, and women candidates looking to represent their communities.

I unequivocally reject the recent recommendations of the state Public Campaign Financing Commission. If these flawed recommendations go into effect, small dollar contributions would continue to be overwhelmed by large contributions by big money. Additionally, important progressive political organizations, like the Working Families Party, would be in jeopardy of being eliminated.

The failure of the Public Campaign Financing Commission highlights how necessary it is to reform our system as soon as possible. We must support common sense legislation that provides avenues for greater electoral participation, transparency, and accountability from our elected officials.

I support the following improvements to our state elections:

Amplify the power of small donations with robust matching program.

Restrict the undue influence of big money by banning contributions from corporations, lobbying firms, and LLCs; and reduce the maximum contribution limit to $1,000 in all races.

Pass automatic voter registration to increase participation.

Expand early voting and improve poll-site access for people with disabilities.

Reject the incumbent protection plan proposal that postpones many urgently needed reforms until 2026. We should jump start reforms in the 2020 election cycle to provide a level playing field as soon as possible for challengers.

Our community deserves better. We deserve someone who is accountable to the needs of the community. District 34 needs a true fighter in the Assembly.

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