Testimony
Common Cause/NY Testimony on Public Financing for New York State
Common Cause/NY testified in support of a public financing system for NYS elections.
New York’s Campaign Finance Program for State Elections
Small donor matching funds help break down barriers to participating in our democracy creating a government that works for all New Yorkers.
New York State adopted public financing for state elections in 2020. Candidates and campaigns will be able to start using the system in 2024 if they so choose. The program hit a major milestone recently with over 300 candidates signed up for matching funds in the 2024 election cycle. Main highlights of the new program include:
- Significantly decreased contribution limits for all candidates
- Candidates for statewide office will see a 74% decrease in contribution limits.
- Candidates for State Senate will see a 48% decrease in contribution limits.
- Candidates for State Assembly will see a 36% decrease in contribution limits.
- Access to an opt-in small donor public matching funds program
- Candidates for statewide office will be eligible for a $6 – $1 match on eligible donations.
- Candidates for State Legislature will be eligible for a tiered match ranging from $12-$1 to $8-$1.