Citizen Action Calls for Finance Reform on the Campaign Trail
News Channel 34 – ABC/NBC
Binghamton, NY
Citizen Action is pushing for campaign finance reform.
It wants public financing for candidates.
Citizen Action says contributions by some industries and corporations influence politicians.
In a report called “New Yorkers Pay When Big Money Plays”, Citizen Action says it’s clear that state residents pay more for some things because of corporate interests.
An example, drug companies don’t want the state to buy prescription drugs in bulk, because it would lower the price of prescriptions for consumers and they would lose money.
Finance reform could also get more people involved with politics.
Webb says, “It really opens the door for more people from the grassroots level to really run for office, because it will take away the need for major fund-raising. If you want to run for a statewide office you need to raise well over 100-thousand dollars. So, we feel by taking big money interests away from the political system it will really push forward the peoples agenda.”
The state legislature will be considering legislation to support public financing.
Citizen Action also has a website at www.votersnotdonors.org with more info.