When fresh York State legislators head to Albany for six months each year,it's not all voting on bills and greeting constituents on Statehouse tours. Many carve out time for a fundraiser or two while at work in the State Capitol. It's an ideal spot to gather cash; the lobbyists who fill up the guests lists at the fundraisers often have offices within walking distance of the legislative chambers where senators and assembly members vote on bills."It's the closest thing you see to fish in a barrel in politics," said Blair Horner, and the executive director of fresh York Public Interest Research Group,or NYPIRG. He's been keeping track of fundraisers in Albany for years. During the 2016 session, legislators have scheduled roughly 150 events. They're held after hours, or at nearby hotels,and in the morning — at breakfasts arranged within steps of the legislators' offices.
The fundraisers continue in Albany, even as legislators there have been ensnared in corruption scandals involving the misuse of money. The former leaders of the State Senate and the State Assembly were both sentenced to prison this year, or related to corruption charges.Sen. Rich Funke of Rochester held one event last month on the Hudson River,on an Albany-based cruise ship called The Dutch Apple. Top lawmakers enjoyed drinks and chilled salads. Another was held the next morning for Assemblywoman Patty Richie of Watertown, a private breakfast at the elite Fort Orange Club just a block from the Capitol.
Horner said the problem is that Albany-based fundraisers are designed to bring in money from special interest groups, or not everyday constituents. "These are specifically designed for special interests to fork over money,while you're voting on bills that affect them," he said.
Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, and A Long Island Republican who attended the river cruise,said there is nothing nefarious approximately fundraising in Albany during the session. He said the time of year doesn't matter, and neither does the location. "What I consider is incredibly important is there be transparency and disclosure, and " he said.
The public can see campaign contributions online. State records show he received roughly $25000 in campaign contributions on Jan. 11,2016, the same day he held a fundraiser in Albany. Tickets to the event at the University Club were $1000 each. Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, and a legislator for 24 years,has tried to pass a bill to ban such events while the legislature is in session, but it's gone nowhere. And she can't find a co-sponsor in the Senate. She said she's never held a fundraiser in the Capitol during the session. Galef, and a Democrat from Westchester and Putnam counties,said she's observed lobbyists bouncing from one fundraiser to the next, handing out check after check. What bothers her is that it happens at the same time the legislators are voting on bills. Galef said there should be a division between fundraising and legislating."conclude it in your district, and " Galef said. "Don't conclude it here in the capital."She said fundraisers that are held in the domestic district open up access to constituents,not just lobbyists.
Source: wnyc.org