New York Uprising advocates for meaningful government reform in three areas. During the 2010 election-year, we collected pledges from candidates for office, committing themselves to support specific reforms in each area. Over 350 candidates took the pledge and were named “Heroes of Reform” by Uprising and founder, former NYC Mayor Ed Koch. Those who refused to take the pledge were named “Enemies of Reform”. Ultimately 138 “Heroes” were elected to the legislature, comprising a majority in each house.

This page summarizes the reforms called for in the pledges; for more detail, click the button at the bottom to download the full pledge.

Non-Partisan, Independent Redistricting: Elections are supposed to allow voters to choose their representatives, but New Yorkers have been denied true choice because elected officials have historically been able to draw district lines to choose their voters. New York legislative races are typically non-competitive because of these gerrymandered districts. Consequently, it is not surprising that New York State’s legislature has one of the highest rates of incumbency in the nation. It is our common desire to improve New York State Government and the democratic process in the State by ensuring that redistricting pursuant to the 2010 Census be constitutional and fair.

Among the specific reforms we call for:

• Meaningful independence and transparency
• Drawing of districts that are contiguous and do not favor or oppose any party, or candidate
• Guarantee not to abridge or deny minority voting rights

This pending legislation meets the criteria for independent redistricting, and is supported by New York Uprising: Assembly bill 3432; Senate bill 2543.

Responsible Budgeting: It is widely acknowledged that New York State’s budget process and practices are detrimental to the long-term future of the state. They produce budgets that are routinely late and include spending that outpaces inflation and revenue growth. To accommodate spending more money than they have, the leadership in Albany has often balanced budgets with gimmicks that push obligations into the future, resulting in structural imbalances and the accumulation of a crushing debt burden, an unhealthy share of which has been incurred to fund operating expenses. Simply put, we are living beyond our means.

Among the specific reforms we call for:

• Creation of an Independent Budget Office to report on the state’s financial health and comment on budgetary matters
• Adoption of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to prepare and manage the state budget
• Use of a rolling five year financial plan to better monitor the consequences of current decisions on long-term finances

Ethics Reform: The public demands that their elected officials and candidates for public office maintain the highest degree of ethics while running for office and serving in government. They have not, to put it mildly. To reform New York State’s government, the enactment of comprehensive ethics legislation by the Governor, Assembly and the Senate is mandatory.

Among the specific reforms we call for:

• A comprehensive annual financial disclosure form that includes disclosure of outside income
• A State Ethics Commission, having the power to subpoena, investigate and sanction for ethics violations including conflict of interest and campaign finace
• A “Blue Ribbon” Commission to consider and make recommendations to limit “Pay to Play” campaign contributions