New York, NY – On Tuesday, May 7, 2013, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) voted to pass the Fair Elections Act of 2013, the first legislative action this session to address the significant influence of money in our political system, and to begin to restore the public’s trust in Albany. Since her election in 2006, Assemblymember Rosenthal has consistently called for state financing system similar to that of New York City; she is pleased that with this vote, the New York State Legislature is one step closer.

“Elected officials should be responsive to the people who elected them, not deep-pocketed special interests,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “The ‘show me the money culture in Albany must come to and end, and passing the Fair Elections Act of 2013 is a good first step toward reform in Albany. The Senate must now follow our lead.”

The legislation will establish a small donor matching system for campaigns that cover all statewide offices, state legislative offices and constitutional convention delegates. It would also create the position of independent enforcement counsel, appointed by a five-member Fair Elections Board, who would be charged with enforcing all campaign finance laws, rules and regulations. It would require expanded disclosure of independent expenditure and electioneering communications.