Today, Steve Bellone, Chief Executive of Suffolk County, New York, exercised his veto power to preserve the county’s public campaign financing program. The Suffolk County Legislature had voted in June to repeal the program, which would offer a multiple match of public funds on small contributions that local residents give to candidates who opt in.
Ian Vandewalker, senior counsel in the Elections and Government Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, had the following reaction:
“We applaud Chief Executive Steve Bellone for standing up for the residents of Suffolk County. He used his veto to give county residents a bigger say over decisions that impact their lives.
“Public financing is the best available option to amplify the influence of everyday people in a political process otherwise dominated by wealthy special interests. It brings more diversity to the ranks of candidates and contributors.
“By exercising his veto power today, the chief executive showed his support for democracy that includes everyone. The county legislature can do the same by standing firm against any attempt to override his veto. The people of Suffolk County deserve no less.”
Related Resources
- “Bellone Should Veto Repeal of Public Campaign Financing” by Lisa Tyson and Ian Vandewalker (Long Island Press, June 23, 2022)
- “How Public Campaign Financing Empowers Small Donors Nationwide” by Hazel Millard and Mariana Paez (Brennan Center, April 2022)
- Small Donor Public Financing (Brennan Center)
