Post-Session, Pre-Moreland Ethics and Lobbying Update

On the upcoming Moreland Act Commission:

Jimmy Vielkind at the Times Union explains how Gov. Cuomo plans to probe campaign funding with his forthcoming Moreland Act Commission.

Jimmy also found an article by former Fordham Law School Dean John Feerick, who was appointed in 1987 by then-Gov. Mario Cuomo to chair his Commission on Government Integrity.  It’s well worth reading.

The Gotham Gazette provides some additional analysis and perspective on the new entity.

Finally, Gov. Cuomo provided NY Post columnist Mike Goodwin with some details about the forthcoming Moreland Act Commission. According to the Governor, ““It’s going to be a real follow-the-money investigation…We want to see who gives you money, the legislation you introduce and your member items.”

On campaign contributions by casino interests:

The AP reports that the prohibition on gambling industry political contributions that the Governor originally proposed was not included in the final casino enabling legislation.

The State of Politics blog explains why this happened.

Newsday’s editorial board says that transparency in the operations of the new Gaming Commission and in gambling industry campaign contributions is critical – “Since you can’t stop the effect of money on politics, stopping secrecy is the best available remedy.”

A few other items of interest:

The Poughkeepsie Journal editorial board says that the state has “failed to meet the challenge on ethics – again.”

The Syracuse Post-Standard’s editorial board agrees, saying that “Albany was all talk and no action on cleaning up corruption.”

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman calls on the IRS to address political spending by 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations, and explains his new rules that are intended to “shine a light on political dark money.”

The new requirement that financial disclosure statements be available through the Internet does not apply to members of Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs).