American Democracy Minute | Radio Report & Podcast on Democracy Issues

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for May, 18, 2023

Today’s Script: (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time)

Today’s Links now below the script

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

Early in May, the New York State legislature finally passed its new $229 Billion dollar state budget. It included $40 Million dollar funding for the New York State Public Campaign Finance Program, which is a REALLY big deal. But it almost didn’t happen.

In 2022, the legislature passed a public funding of elections program which matches donations of $5 to $250 dollars for statewide or legislative offices. How much of a match depends on the office and the donation amount, and varies from a 6-1 match to 12-1. But to claim it, candidates must first prove they are viable by raising matchable donations from a certain number of voters. For State Assembly, that’s only 75 voters and $6,000. But for Governor, that’s 5,000 matchable contributions and $500,000. These amounts are calculated separately for the state primary and the general election.

To pay for it, the Public Campaign Finance Program had asked for $114 Million dollars, but whether the legislature would FUND the program AT ALL was in question. In the end, it received $39.5 Million dollars, $25 Million in matching funds, and $14.5 for administering the program.

Still, it’s the largest program of its kind in the country and it will be in place for 2024. AND it will be a huge step in breaking the candidates’ dependence on special interest money.

We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
New York State Public Campaign Finance Board – New York State Public Campaign Finance Program
New York State Public Campaign Finance Board – Video Explainer
Brennan Center for Justice – New York State Public Campaign Finance Board Asks for $114.5 Million in FY 2023–2024 New York State Budget; Fair Elections for New York Coalition Reacts
Spectrum News 1 – New York lawmakers mull details of public campaign financing
Spectrum News 1 – New York’s budget includes funding for publicly financed campaigns
Sludge – Public Campaign Financing Is Coming to New York
Pew Research Center – Most Americans want to limit campaign spending, say big donors have greater political influence
National Conference of State Legislatures – Public Financing of Campaigns: Overview