To: The Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption

Moreland Commission: Stop Corruption in NY with Real Change - Fair Elections Now!

Ending New York’s “show me the money” culture will require more than getting rid of a few bad apples. We need systemic change. That’s why we call upon the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, in its December 1st report, to recommend that New York State enact publicly financed Fair Elections.

Why is this important?

Because the New York State Legislature failed to pass comprehensive campaign finance reform during its 2013 legislative session, Governor Cuomo created the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption with a charge to investigate the "show me the money" culture so pervasive at the Capitol, and to make recommendations in their initial report due on December 1st.

The fact is that New York is in the grip of a political crime wave. Over the past few years, dozens of New York State elected officials have been arrested, indicted, convicted, or resigned in disgrace. But what's worse is the *legal* bribery that's happening every day in Albany. CEO campaign contributors are donating millions in return for public policy that ensures they continue to rake in huge profits - at the expense of ordinary New Yorkers like us.

We must change this culture of corruption by changing the system. We need a system that put the needs of our communities first, encourages politicians to listen to their constituents, and lets everyday New Yorkers decide who represents them in government. We can have a system like that by passing comprehensive campaign finance reform that includes publicly financed elections.

UPDATE (10/8) - According to news reports, the Commission might be negotiating a weak deal with the legislature that would prematurely end their investigation and put off real reform indefinitely. The members of the Commission need to hear from New Yorkers right now. Be sure to share this petition after you sign it!