Government Reform Overview

Policy Issues

Government Reform

Government Reform Overview

Government Reform on Long Island

Since 1998 government has been pushed towards more openness and less corruption. In 1998 New York City made some of the most comprehensive reforms to their campaign finance laws. The city as part of the new law offered the fourfold incentive, in which for every dollar a candidate raises he will get 4 dollars of public money. Then in 2005 local candidates running for public office had to electronically disclose their fundraising. Some feel as if though there is still a need for greater reform of the campaign finance laws throughout the state. The influence of lobbyist and large corporation on elected officials because of campaign donations is seen as a large problem.

Another problem that many feel needs to be acted upon is the drawing of district lines for state offices. Many of the lines are drawn with the reelection of the incumbent in mind instead of properly trying to represent the people. There is also a need for stricter ethics law and a ban on the personal use of campaign funds.

More Policy Issues >>

Government Reform News

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy Vindicated on Financial Disclosure by State’s Leading Ethics Authority - July 6, 2010

Perhaps the most prominent ethics authority in New York State today verified that Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy’s submission of New York State financial disclosure forms – as he is required to file as a member of the Pine Barrens Commission – complies with state regulations and satisfies the local financial disclosure filing requirement.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy Calls on State Legislature to End Late Budgets by Adopting Reform - July , 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy called upon candidates in the gubernatorial race to embrace the legislation that he proposed earlier this year which would end late budgets forever in the Empire State.

Bishop Amendment Ending Sweetheart Deal For Oil And Gas Passes House Committee - July 1, 2010

Today, a key House committee adopted an amendment sponsored by Congressman Tim Bishop to hold the oil and gas industry to the same standards as every other industry in preventing unnecessary runoff from construction sites.

Bishop Votes To Limit Special Interest Influence In Campaigns - June 24, 2010

Congressman Tim Bishop voted for passage of the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act, the strongest campaign finance reform legislation in nearly a decade.

Levy Blasts Legislature’s Continued Inaction on Budget Dilemma - June 15, 2010

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy today criticized a resolution introduced in the County Legislature that would create a panel to examine ways to deal with the county’s budget shortfall related to state mandates and dwindling revenues, and again cited his concern over the Legislature’s “lackadaisical and cavalier attitude” about the 2010-2011 shortfall.

Suffolk Following Suit of New York City on Financial Disclosure - June 8, 2010

Suffolk’s Ethics Commission is following the same financial disclosure practice that has been approved by New York City, which accepts the filing of a New York State form as sufficient for meeting local requirements.

Fitzpatrick Withdraws, Seeks Re-Election to Assembly - June 5, 2010

New York State Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R, C, I – St. James) is withdrawing as a 2010 candidate for the US House of Representatives in the First Congressional District. To pursue state and national support for an important legislative issue on behalf of taxpayers -- pension reform – he will seek re-election to the New York State Assembly.

NYS Attorney General Cuomo Holds Press Conference at C.W. Post - March 19, 2010

New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo held a press conference at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University today, Thursday, March 18, 2010. Cuomo spoke to the Campus and members of the press about the State’s $130 billion pension fund, which he said has been subject to systemic “padding” and misuse over many years and placed an unfair burden on taxpayers.

Lindsay and Sawicki Renew Push for a State of Long Island

Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer, William J. Lindsay (D-Holbrook) and Suffolk County Comptroller Joseph Sawicki, Jr. (R-Southold) – two ardent supporters of the State of Long Island movement – are renewing their efforts to press for legislation to study the feasibility of Nassau and Suffolk counties seceding from New York State and hold a Suffolk/Nassau referendum on the issue to allow voters to decide.

More News >>