The New York Public Interest Research Group delivered its second testimony before the state Public Campaign Financing Commission on Tuesday.
This time the good government group focused on recommendations limiting the role of lobbyists is a reformed system. NYPIRG made a number of recommendations including asking the commission toend the practice of making campaign contributions during the state legislative session.
“There is nothing more unsettling for those of us who believe in democracy and representative government than lobbyist forking over campaign dollars to elected officials at night while they ask for favors during the day,” Executive Director Blair Horner said.
The organization also recommended lobbyist be treated differently than others under a new public finance system. Horner said, like in New York City’s system, contributions from anyone doing business with the state should not be matched by public funds.
NYPIRG also believes those individuals and entities should be subject to lower contributions. It recommended those contributions only allowed to be made within the district where the lobbyist lives.
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