According to the report released Monday by a commission chosen this summer to study the level of New York’s political corruption, New York has a pay-to-play political culture, assisted by a wide-open campaign finance system which allows donors with enough finances to set the legislative agenda for the entire state. The Moreland Commission was assembled to try to win back public trust in New York. A number of incidents were investigated by the commission, including management of the State Board of Elections and the use of tax-exempt organizations to help influence public policy and elections. The Moreland Commission says that the state’s campaign finance laws have taken control of elections and there are loopholes which essentially allow unlimited contributions. The group says that contribution limits need to be lowered, loopholes closed, and campaign funds should have more limits and more disclosure to the public. They also recommended adjusting the state’s laws to ensure voters know who is spending money to influence elections.
