The New York Times reports that a number of “major political donors” have signed onto a letter urging Gov. Cuomo to push for a publicly-funded campaign finance system in New […]
Archive Ethics
Groups Call for an End to Party “Housekeeping” Funds
Earlier today, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and NYPIRG held a press conference announcing a report on party “housekeeping” accounts, and calling for such accounts to be abolished, […]
Assembly Speaker Announces Changes to Assembly’s Sexual Harassment Policies, Practices
In the wake of the JCOPE report that criticizing him for approving confidential settlements with women who accused ex-Assemblyman Vito Lopez of sexual harassment and for not referring the initial […]
State Department of Labor Issues Draft Rules Prohibiting Wage Deductions for PAC Contributions
The state Department of Labor recently issued draft regulations (12 NYCRR 195) regarding permissible employee wage deductions under Labor Law § 193, which was amended by Chapter 451 of 2012. […]
JCOPE Report on Assemblyman Vito Lopez Released
Earlier today, the Legislative Ethics Commission released the full investigation report from the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) regarding sexual harassment complaints against Assemblyman Vito Lopez. […]
Governor Releases Second Round of Election Law Reforms
Last week, Gov. Cuomo submitted to the Legislature a second program bill that is intended to increase voter participation. Governor’s Program Bill #6 would: Allow persons 16 and 17 to […]
Monday Update on Ethics, Campaign Finance Reform
As the 2013 session moves towards its conclusions and the anti-corruption and campaign finance talk heats up, I am having a tough time keeping up with all of the activity. […]
JCOPE Is Hiring, and More
JCOPE is seeking an Executive Director. $148,000 per year, 10% travel. The posting does not note that the job may be among the most thankless in Albany. The NY Post […]
Appellate Division Upholds Ethics Commission’s Subpoena Power
Earlier today, the Appellate Division, Third Department upheld the authority of the Commission on Public Integrity (the predecessor to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics) to subpoena testimony from the […]
Campaign Finance Reform, Public Corruption Update
This are heating up in Albany in terms of campaign finance reforms and addressing public corruption. Thus, there is a long list of link-worthy items today: Yesterday, the Assembly passed […]