Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver formally introduced a bill this week that would create a statewide voluntary public matching funds program in New York, calling on fellow legislators to pass the bill and make New York state «the model for the rest of the nation in establishing and preserving fair elections.» (reinventalbany.org)
Polanco wants to change not only how New Yorkers vote but who they can vote for, by providing free legal counsel to candidates participating in the Campaign Finance Board's public matching funds program who raise less than $ 10,000, and easing restrictions on ballot access for candidates. (gothamgazette.com)
Although incumbents tend to have a leg up in fundraising, the Campaign Finance Board's public matching funds program ensures that first - time candidates and those with little access to wealthy donors can run serious campaigns by matching small dollar donations at a 6 - to - 1 ratio up to a certain amount. (gothamgazette.com)