Statement from Danielle Brecker, New York State Democratic Committee Member, Assembly District 36 on Governor Hochul’s Veto of Senate Bill 7564 that would change the State’s Public Campaign Finance Program

Wednesday, December 27, 2023, Long Island City, NY

New York State’s landmark Public Campaign Finance Program (PCFP) will uplift the voices of all New Yorkers in our State elections, in our State Budget process, and in our policy making. The approach of this program gives the smallest contributions the most meaningful match.

Earlier this year the State Legislature passed Senate Bill 7564 that would weaken the program. This Bill included a change that would make the first $250 of any contribution matchable, instead of only contributions up to $250.

Governor Hochul has vetoed Senate Bill 7564 and she did so because this Bill is contrary to the intent of the PCFP, to uplift the voices of small donors.

With this veto, Governor Hochul has demonstrated a commitment to our democracy. I call on Governor Hochul to continue to demonstrate this commitment by overseeing the PCFP’s successful implementation in 2024, fully funding it in the upcoming State Budget, and expanding and strengthening it for the future.

Governor Hochul can further demonstrate her commitment to public campaign finance, small donors, and all New Yorkers by limiting the contributions she takes from big moneyed donors and by participating in the program when she runs next.