Governor Cuomo has unveiled a series of tough reforms seeking to reduce corruption in Albany. The proposal, known as the Public Trust Act, would change the state’s definition of bribery to conform to federal standards to allow greater leeway for prosecutors and increase penalties for official misconduct and misuse of taxpayer dollars. Under the proposed law, elected officials as well as other state and local government workers could be charged with misdemeanors if they are aware of bribery schemes but fail to report them. The plan would also bar anyone convicted of public corruption felonies from holding public office, serving as a lobbyist or doing business with the state. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and State District Attorneys have welcomed the proposal but request greater resources and authority to probe the executive and legislative branches. Good-government groups have similarly praised the plan but insist that the entrenched culture of corruption cannot change unless campaign finance reform is also instituted. Karen Scharff, executive director of Citizen Action, said she hopes the Governor will take the next step and reform the way campaigns are financed. Currently candidates have to rely on large donors and special interests for campaign contributions, which breeds a “show me the money” culture. “From day one, you’re stuck in this pay to play system,” Scharff stated.
See full page: http://www.brennancenter.org/blog/money-politics-week-more-companies-dislose-political-expenditures-and-gov-cuomo-proposes-anti
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