Press Release
Charter Review Commission Must Delay Ballot Proposals Due to Rushed Process
Given historically quick timeline, expansive scope of Commission's work, and lack of public input, Commission's proposals must wait until next year's ballot
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Press Release
Common Cause/NY Statement on Rep. Santos Indictment
"Mr. Santos' breathtaking scope of lies has left his constituents -- and all New Yorkers -- gasping for air and calling for accountability. Now that the Eastern District of New York has appropriately indicted him, Mr. Santos should resign. It's been clear for a long time that the voters have been defrauded, and Mr. Santos' seat in Congress is tantamount to an ill gotten gain: he should not be allowed to profit from the fruits of his deception. Voters deserve a representative who doesn't lie and deceive their way into power, and unfortunately...
Press Release
Lawmakers, Let NY Vote Push for Votings Rights Package in Remaining Days of Session
"Lawmakers have an historic opportunity to pass legislation that will directly impact voters' lives. From expanding absentee voting to allowing food and water on voting lines, New York has a real chance to lead and protect voters. We look forward to working with lawmakers to get these bills passed, and then with the Board of Elections to implement these long overdue reforms in time for the critical 2024 elections."
Press Release
Watchdog Groups: Cuomo’s Lawsuit is a Sham, Ethics Commission Should Do its Job
"We have fought for years to establish an independent ethics commission, one that is not under the thumb of the governor or any of the state's elected leaders. Sadly, we have seen what happens when an ethics watchdog is on the leash of the governor. The former governor's lawsuit to gut the new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) is nothing more than a disingenuous move for attention while he faces an impending ruling over his book deal. We hope that the court, like us, sees the wisdom in having an ethics agency that is...
Press Release
Good Govt Groups: Told You So! NY Needs Citizen Led Redistricting NOW
"The Assembly maps drawn by the Independent Redistricting Commission are almost identical to the maps drawn by the Assembly already in place – showing that this whole process was a waste of New Yorkers' time and money. New Yorkers deserve non-partisan maps not drawn by politicians who have their own stake in the outcome. We have long maintained that people, not politicians, should decide what the maps look like. If New York lawmakers want to respond to voters' desire that this chaos never happens again, they must advance an amendment that...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY Pushes for Details on Hochul’s 2M State of the State
"Common Cause/NY was surprised to read in the New York Times that the Governor spent $2M on outside consultants to help craft the State of State. New Yorkers deserve to know what they got for that seven figure expenditure of their tax dollars. The creeping privatization of government is an ongoing concern that Common Cause/NY has expressed repeatedly – specifically as it relates to the drain of talent away from public service – and we plan to FOIL the Comptroller for the contracts to further understand what New Yorkers paid for. It is...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY: “Congressional Hearing in NYC is an Abuse of Power”
Press Release
Common Cause/NY Responds to Proposed NYS Court Changes: “This is Not Reform”
"Independent courts are the last defense against fascism. Placing them under even more direct political control than they already are in New York undercuts our democracy and eliminates checks and balances. Addressing the very real need for court reform demands extensive public discussion leading to a thoughtful, nuanced approach enacted through a formal process with sufficient notice."
Press Release
Common Cause/NY & Citizens Crime Commission Condemn U.S. House Attack on Democracy and Rule of Law in New York
"It is an unprecedented and gross abuse of power for the United States House of Representatives to even contemplate interfering in a criminal proceeding by threatening to direct a duly elected, sitting District Attorney in front of a House Committee for questioning. Congress has no jurisdiction over criminal matters in New York. The Manhattan District Attorney is exercising his proper authority to pursue the facts wherever they may lead, without fear or favor. Maintaining the independence of the Office of the District Attorney is integral to...
Press Release
Common Cause/NY: Voters Deserve Answers on Unchecked Money
"The reports out of the Buffalo News and Times Union today demonstrate an ongoing and concerning trend of unaccountable money in politics. Voters deserve transparency, not the litany of end-runs around their right to know who is supporting campaigns and campaign materials. New Yorkers shouldn't have to tolerate coy dodges from Party Leaders and the people running American Opportunity; they deserve answers."
Press Release
Common Cause/NY Responds to News that Gov May Sue the Senate Over LaSalle
"Common Cause/NY is horrified to learn that Governor Hochul is contemplating hiring a litigator at taxpayer expense to violate the Constitutionally protected separation of powers. Make no mistake: doing so would be a total abuse of power, and a brutal attack on a democratically elected institution..."
Press Release
Common Cause NY: Democracy Takes Time and That’s OK!
"Democracy takes time and we're pleased that all votes in Queens are now counted safely and securely through a careful hand counting process. Accurate and fair election results are worth the wait."
Press Release
Common Cause Releases 2022 “Democracy Scorecard” Showing Growing Support in Congress for Democracy Reform
“Our democracy is strongest when constituents are informed about the job our elected leaders are doing in Washington,” said Susan Lerner, Common Cause New York executive director.