In a press availability yesterday, Gov. Cuomo defended the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE), the state’s new ethics commission, which has been criticized for leaks of confidential information and […]
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JCOPE, NYC CFB to Meet Next Week
Earlier this afternoon, JCOPE announced that it will hold a special commission meeting next Monday at 10:30 a.m. There is no agenda for the meeting, but there is widespread speculation […]
Press Report: JCOPE to Investigate Lopez Sexual Harassment Matter
According to the NY Post, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) voted yesterday to formally investigate the sexual harassment scandal surrounding Assemblyman Vito Lopez. But the Post does not […]
LEC, JCOPE Issue Informal Opinions on Gifts, Post-Employment Restrictions
According to recent news reports, the Legislative Ethics Commission (LEC) and the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) have recently provided informal guidance relating to gifts to legislators and post-employment […]
Should ALEC Have to Register as a Lobbyist in New York State?
Earlier this week, the Senate’s Minority (Democratic) Conference held a public forum on “the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and its activities in the New York State Legislature.” (Read the […]
NYPIRG Report Focuses on Bundling of Campaign Contributions by Lobbyists
The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) has issued a report analyzing “Albany’s ‘Pay-to Play’ Culture, looking at political donations by lobbyists and their clients. The report includes a […]
Legislative Action on Election Law Bills
As the end of the 2012 legislative session approaches (just seven scheduled session days remains as of this writing), there is some action on Election Law-related legislation in both the […]
New York Moves September Primary Off of 9/11
The Assembly approved and the Governor signed into law a bill to change the September 2012 primary election from Tuesday, September 11 to Thursday, September 13. The state’s Congressional primaries […]
JCOPE Opens Preliminary Inquiry in Libous Matter
According to a number of press reports, the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) has asked Senator Tom Libous (R-Binghamton), the Senate’s Deputy Majority Leader. Read articles on the inquiry […]
Espada Convicted on Four Counts
Former state Sen. Pedro Espada Jr., has been convicted on federal charges of stealing from a Bronx nonprofit health clinic that he founded that was largely Medicaid-funded. Espada was convicted […]