Central New York Citizens in Action is calling for a change in how candidates running for the New York State Legislature raise funds for their campaigns.
According to a recent release, a report conducted by the organization found, “the Republican majority in the State Senate received more than three times the health insurance industry campaign donations as the Democratic-controlled Assembly majority in the 2003-07 period, while the same senator[s] failed to pass legislation to regulate health insurance rates.”
The passage of a “Clean Elections bill,” a voluntary system of full public financing, is provided as an alternative system to eliminate such uncertainty in decision makers motives, according to the release.
Bob Cohen, primary author of the report, explained exactly what the bill would mean to campaign finance.
A candidate raises a set amount of small qualifying donations from the public, similar to an election petition, to set a, “minimum threshold of support,” said Cohen in a phone interview.
Candidates agree not to raise or spend private funds, and to adhere to strict spending limits, according to the release. Then, they are given public funds to run their campaign after meeting these requirements.
“Funding is through the taxpayers...[it] comes out of the state budget,” said Cohen. “We estimate in the $30 million to $40 million range statewide.”
Cohen added, these estimates were “minimal” in comparison to the state’s general fund of well over $100 billion dollars.
“We think it’s well worth it to avoid doubt,” he said.
The release says Senator James Seward, chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, is the number one recipient of health insurance industry contributions.
Cohen said Seward received $60,700 over the duration of the report’s time frame.
Seward replied to the report’s findings and proposals in an e-mail statement.
“The so called ‘clean elections’ bill is really using taxpayer dollars to fund politicians’ personal ambitions,” he stated. “With a budget crisis, and needs in healthcare and education, the state cannot afford a program of welfare for politicians.”
Seward addressed his record of voting on issues involving health insurance, “I have sponsored bills that have been fought by health insurance companies.”
“We don’t disagree with that,” said Cohen, referring to the Health Insurance Premium Integrity Act Seward provided as an example of going against insurers.
Cohen said, “It didn’t address the high interest and increasing insurance rates.”
Seward explained some of his legislative record and ambitions. The issues include among others: premiums spending, aiding access to policies through the affordable Healthy NY program, group insurance access, and new cheaper policies for ages 19 to 26.   
“The point is that on broad issues that impact health insurance consumers the donations that he [Seward] and other Senate republicans received lead to a position that tends to support the health insurance companies,” said Cohen.
“All campaign contributions are disclosed, reported, and transparent and I supported legislation to make sure campaign filings are posted on the Internet,” state Seward.
“It’s virtually impossible that we would have proof that any legislator took money and voted one way based on that,” said Cohen. “It certainly makes you wonder.”