What’s Next for Campaign Finance Reform in New York State?

Now that the Senate’s leadership situation has been resolved through the creation of the Senate Majority Coalition, where does that leave the issue of campaign finance reform in the State Senate?

Gov. Cuomo, while not taking a position on the new Senate leadership coalition, included the issue as number two of the ten items on his “litmus test” that he will determine his support.

The most vocal (and well-funded) campaign finance reform advocates support a complete overhaul of the current system — public financing that includes matching “small donor” donations, reducing contribution limits, restricting the ability of those who do business with the state to make donations, and improved enforcement from the State Board of Elections.

In the past, the Senate Republican leadership has not been supportive of spending public dollars in for political campaigns.

While it is unclear what the outcome will be on this issue, it appears that the issue may have gained new life with the Senate’s new coalition leadership.