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March 27, 2014

The Honorable Andrew Cuomo Governor The Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo, We write to encourage your continued efforts and support for the public financing of elections in New York State. The country is watching as your state has an opportunity to lead on an issue of local, state and national importance. Many of the policy goals progressives advocate and fight for may never come to fruition without a change in our electoral system. And with elections costing more and more each year, public officials and candidates throughout the country feel more and more beholden to those with the deepest pockets. New York Citys successful reforms have helped pave the way for your state. By empowering small donors, the NYC system has not only changed political campaigns but enriched democracy in every borough. The results have been tremendous, as more citizens engage in the political process, and diversity emerges throughout both the donor and candidate pools. If replicated throughout the state, New York would set the national standard for democracy and would breathe new life into other state and national campaigns to enact similar reforms. Make no mistake; this is a unique opportunity to enact real, substantive change. Throughout New York and around the country, the public supports your public financing efforts. In your 2012 State of the State address you declared that its time we make sure that all New Yorkers have an equal voice in our political process. That time has come. We stand with you at this critical juncture and encourage you to take the final step by signing a budget next week that includes funding for a robust public financing system.

Sincerely,

Ra M. Grijalva Co-C Congress

,

Progressive Caucus

Keith Ellison Co-Chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus