Media Center

A coalition of government reform organizations today urged that Governor Cuomo and State Lawmakers agree on strict, new limits on legislators’ outside income. As part of their call, the groups issued a report, “Serving Two Masters: Conflicts of Interest in Albany,” which argued that New York should follow the restrictions applied to Congress.

Common Cause NY discusses lack of transparency and openness in Assembly Speaker replacement process, urges Governor and legislators to take up ethics and rules reforms this session.

Today, representatives of New York's leading good government watchdog groups, the Brennan Center for Justice, Citizens Union, Common Cause/NY, the League of Women Voters and NYPIRG, responding to the disappointing process on display this past week leading to the selection of a new Assembly Speaker, urged the members of the Assembly to use this historic opportunity to pass long-overdue reforms that would transform how it conducts business.

The arrest of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver by federal authorities for undisclosed income further reveals the crucial role the Moreland Commission played in bringing corruption in New York State government to light.

Today, civil rights, civil liberties and good government groups sent a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders in Albany calling for open public hearings and a transparent and participatory legislative process following the failure of a Staten Island grand jury to indict the police officer whose chokehold resulted in the death of Eric Garner

Public dialogue is what keeps our elected officials accountable, and the Governor must address voters' concerns about his conduct.