Assemblymember Cahill: Governor’s Veto of Ethics Bill Hurts Government Reform Efforts

February 3, 2010

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) expressed his disappointment following Governor Paterson’s veto of major ethics reform legislation (A 9544). The measure, which is significantly stronger than the Governor’s proposal in a number of ways, includes stiff penalties for failure to file financial disclosure forms. The bill also defines ‘independent expenditures’ and requires public reporting of the funding source of political communications paid for by outside entities.

“Governor Paterson’s decision to veto historic ethics reform is a slap in the face to New Yorkers who are calling for change in Albany,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “This bi-partisan legislation builds upon government transparency and accountability efforts we have already enacted and sets the stage for additional reform, particularly in the area of campaign finances.”

As Chair of the Assembly Ethics Committee from 2005 to 2008, Assemblymember Cahill championed significant ethics reforms for elected officials, government employees and lobbyists. These laws include closing the “revolving door” by prohibiting former legislative employees from directly lobbying the Legislature for two years, bans on gifts and honoraria, anti nepotism prohibitions for hiring and reforms of the election system. This session he introduced legislation restricting the use of campaign money for personal purposes (A 812-A) and he has voted for publicly financed elections.

Assemblymember Cahill stressed that the landmark legislation will end many abuses of the system, reduce the influence of lobbyists in Albany and strengthen campaign finance filing requirements. The bill would establish an independent legislative investigative body, as well as mandating disclosure of legislators’ income categories and sources of outside employers. The ethics reform measure is supported by government reform groups like the New York League of Women Voters, NYPIRG and Citizens Union.

“I am disappointed by the Governor’s action. While not perfect, this legislation is an important step forward in ensuring our state government is transparent, accountable and subject to tough enforcement measures,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Ethics reform is crucial to restoring the public’s trust in our government. We must continuously strive to increase accountability of elected officials, agencies and lobbyists.”

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