(Albany, NY) Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) voted to override Governor Paterson’s veto of major ethics reform legislation (A 9544). The action received wide bi-partisan support by the Assembly. The measure includes stiff penalties for failure to file financial disclosure forms, defines ‘independent expenditures’ and requires public reporting of the funding source of political communications paid for by outside entities.
“The override vote is a reaffirmation that we must move forward in our efforts to restore the trust of the people of New York in their government.” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Ethics is a non partisan issue and should not be used for political purposes. These reforms represent meaningful progress and the Governor was wrong to veto it.”
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 repeatedly 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 outside employment. The ethics reform measure is supported by government reform groups like the New York League of Women Voters, NYPIRG and Citizens Union.
“While not perfect, this legislation is an important step forward because it increases state government transparency, accountability and enforcement remedies,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “It builds upon efforts we have already enacted and sets the stage for additional reform, particularly in the area of campaign finances.”
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