Hedgeclippers just published an important report showing that in the last 15 years, hedge fund managers and senior executives contributed over $39.6 million to influence New York State elections. Topping the list of recipients is Governor Cuomo, who received more than $4.8 million during his time as Governor and Attorney General, much of it from the same hedge funders now trying to privatize New York schools.

In the 2014 election, a small group of billionaires fronting as “New Yorkers for a Balanced Albany” spent a whopping $4.2 million on ads aimed (successfully) at swinging state senate races toward a Republican majority. While the group claimed an interest in “education reform” (the term of charter school advocates), many of their attack ads against progressive candidates also focused on undercutting public campaign financing, which would limit the outsized influence of the wealthy in Albany.

Like all investors, these contributors expect a return on investment. But the problem isn’t just individuals; it’s the system–the same system that has seen 32 state legislators indicted or removed from office for criminal or ethical issues in the same 15-year period.

 

What can a good government advocate do? First, read the full Hedgeclippers series, available here. Next, join faith and labor leaders, voters, and community members in a Moral Mondays Anti-Corruption Rally and Vigil in front of the Governor’s New York City office. Then, you can listen to New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and expert panelists discuss what you can do as a New Yorker to help fix Albany’s corruption problem. And take out your phones, pens, and computers to let your representatives know you demand honesty and fairness from all elected officials.

Our elected officials are negotiating an ethics reform package in Albany in advance of the March 31st budget deadline. It won’t resolve everything, but it’s a start.The time to be loud and clear is NOW. 

MONDAY, MARCH 9TH, 12 noon: Moral Mondays Anti-Corruption Rally and Vigil. Governor Cuomo’s Office, 633 Third Avenue (between 41st and 42nd Streets). Sponsored by Common Cause and other groups. RSVP here.

MONDAY, MARCH 16TH, 6 pm (keynote) to 8 pm: Can New Yorkers Fix Albany’s Corruption Problem? A Discussion on What Changes Are Needed for Lawmakers to Earn Back Our Trust. New York Law School, 185 West Broadway (at Leonard Street). With AG Eric T. Schneiderman (keynote), Ellen Biben, Richard Briffault, Hon. Richard Brodsky, Jennifer Rodgers, and Dick Dadey (moderator). Sponsored by Citizens Union and Gotham Gazette. Info and RSVP here.