Wal-mart Continues To Try and Buy New York’s Love

Rather Than Coming Before The City Council or Community Board, Walmart Resorts To The Only Strategy It Knows, Spend $$$$

As Walmart continues to avoid answering hard questions to New Yorkers, the company has been spending significant amounts of money in political contributions and political-style advertising to try to buy New Yorkers’ love. Today, the company announced a charitable contribution in another attempt to buy their way into New York City.

An analysis of Walmart’s New York State lobbying data from the New York State Commission on Public Integrity shows it spent $1.85 million on lobbying (including political-style advertisements) in the first four months of 2011. In 2007 through 2010, the company spent $335,385.

A similar shift has occurred in political contributions. An analysis of data from the National Institute on Money in State Politics, shows that between 2003 and 2010, Wal-Mart contributed $562,877 to statewide candidates in New York. Overall contributions have grown dramatically each election cycle in advance of the company’s efforts to expand into New York City, beginning with a mere $4,020 in 2004 and reaching $273,000 by 2010.

The mega-retailer can’t boost its flagging U.S. sales unless it expands into the nation’s largest cities, so it’s trying to break its way into New York with new store formats and new products, and most importantly-- a new image.

“Walmart can’t be trusted. The company is embracing progressive values in its public relations campaign to avoid tough questions about its history of alleged discrimination and putting local mom and pops out business.,” said Stephanie Yazgi, spokesperson for Walmart Free NYC. “Walmart’s convenient contribution won’t distract New Yorkers from its track record: the company is facing the largest gender bias class-action lawsuit in U.S. history, it has sold more guns than any company in the United States, and it failed The Human Right Campaign’s national LGBT scorecard.”

Walmart Lobbyist Spending

Lobbyist	2007	2008	2009	2010	2007-10	2011
Law Offices of Claudia Wagner LLC	$32,000	-	-	$22,500	$54,500
Patricia Lynch Associates	$65,000	$65,000	$62,834	$61,752	$254,586
Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP				$22,500	$22,500	$30,000
Philip Serghini	$620	$203	$2,976	-	$3,799
Walmart Stores						$1,756,853
The Wright Group						$24,000
Hodes and Landy						$30,000
York Group Associates						$16,000
Total	$97,620	$65,203	$65,810	$84,252	$335,385	$1,856,853

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News & Notes from Senator Joe Addabbo

STATEMENT FROM NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR.

ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF ETHICS REFORM AGREEMENT

June 8, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. released the following statement on the agreement reached between Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the NYS Legislature on ethics reform:

"Yesterday's agreement on ethics reform is the right answer to public outcries for immediate action. We have given New Yorkers a reason to once again believe that their government is responsible and is accountable to them."

"Governmental ethics reform has been on my radar since my City Council days starting in 2001, serving on its Government Operations Committee. Aside from pledges and promises, if we are to move this state government in the direction of improved ethics and credibility, then ethics and campaign finance reform are required ingredients to that end.”

"We've got more work to do, but now with stronger disclosure requirements, an independent oversight commission, greater transparency for those doing business with the state by ending 'pay to play', and tougher deterrents for public corruption, such as no pension awards, we've overcome the past blockages in Albany to ensure that the people come first with state government."

ADDABBO CO-SPONSORS BILL INCREASING PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL FIGHTING; VOTES IN FAVOR OF HUMANE ANIMAL BILLS

June 7, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) announced the passing of animal rights legislation in the Senate as part of the 1^st annual New York State Animal Advocacy Day on June 1. Among the passed bills were S.946, S.3317 and S.3237, which was co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo. The bill was in relation to increasing the penalties for those convicted of violating the prohibition of animal fighting. Passing this day, with Senator Addabbo’s support, were the inclusion of theft of dogs and cats within the crime of grand larceny in the fourth degree (S.946), along with the establishment of a toll-free hotline where individuals can report instances of animal fighting (S.3317).

Senator Addabbo praised the passing of these three bills, noting animal fighting is a distasteful sport and an unfortunate avenue some seek to capitalize financially in today’s economic climate. “For far too long, animal fighting has been, and remains, a serious problem that affects communities throughout the nation. Today, I proudly stand in support of these bills to eliminate this disturbing sport and to bring peace and comfort to all animals unfairly subjected to this harsh reality,” said Addabbo. “Animals used for animal fighting are specifically bred, conditioned and trained to fight, and have been known to sustain severe injuries often resulting in unfortunate deaths,” explained the Senator.

S.3237 co-sponsored by Senator Addabbo makes it a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period up to one year, and a fine of up to $1,000, for the knowing presence as a spectator at a place where an exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted. S.946 classifies stolen pets as a class E felony, and equates such charge to such current conditions as stolen credit cards, or stolen religious materials. S.3317 makes it easier for authorities to receive information on illegal animal fighting activity. “These measures passed by the Senate will allow New York to strengthen our outdated dog-fighting laws,” said Addabbo in relation to his decision to support all measures.

Currently, all three bills await passage in the Assembly before the Governor can act on each measure. “It is my hope and belief that New York will get serious in protecting the interests of our four-legged friends,” concluded Addabbo.

ADDABBO: LET’S MINIMIZE ELDER ABUSE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

Bill Passes Senate; Mandates Domestic Violence Prevention Programs in Senior Centers

June 6, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr., (D-Queens) a member of the Senate’s Committee on the Aging, announced a measure that recently passed the Senate with unanimous support. Bill S.4235, if enacted into law, would direct the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to develop domestic violence prevention programs for utilization by senior centers throughout the state. The bill would amend the executive law to incorporate this new vital requirement for senior citizens.

Senator Addabbo praised the intent of the bill and called on the Assembly to take further action on moving the bill. “It is important to remain both mindful and aware of the occurrences of domestic violence among seniors. A well informed and educated senior versed on prevention methods can save such an older adult’s life and reduce the risk of tragedy.” Addabbo pointed to senior centers as gathering places for many seniors in the community, and felt it was a logical place for domestic violence prevention programs to be offered.

Although domestic violence prevention programs are in existence, few if any meet the needs of our older adults. “Far too often, seniors are reluctant to seek help when it comes to sensitive issues. Establishing and promoting domestic violence prevention programs at senior centers is ideal,” stated Addabbo.

Should the legislation advance and pass the Assembly, the Governor will have 10 days to deliberate if the bill should become law. If the bill is enacted, it takes effect immediately.

Addabbo concluded, “I am hopeful this bill will reduce the growing problem of elder abuse in New York and improve the protection of seniors against domestic violence abusers.”

ADDABBO LEGISLATION WOULD MAKE USING A GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY TO HARASS INDIVIDUALS A CRIME

June 6, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) announced the bipartisan passage of one of his pieces of legislation in the Senate (S1242), which will define the use of a governmental agency to harass another individual to fall within the crime of aggravated harassment in the second degree.

Addabbo praised his bill’s passing in the Senate, noting that he got the idea for the bill from constituents who complained to him about being harassed, without reason, by their neighbors. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (54-0) and a vote is pending in the Assembly.

“Neighbors and other members of a surrounding community should not have to live with fear of being inundated with unwarranted harassing messages and visits from governmental agencies and inspectors,” said Addabbo. “This legislation reduces the threat of enlisting governmental agencies to seek and rectify false claims by holding those individuals liable who target others with intent to threaten and alarm.” The Senator also mentioned that while both the city and state are facing tough economic times, neither can afford to waste money and resources on false accusations.

Examples of harassment can comprise a neighbor calling a city or state departmental agency on another individual to justify a false claim against that individual, to the placement of false complaints regarding illegal dumping of resources into a neighboring reservoir. A person is found guilty of aggravated harassment in the second degree when that individual harasses, annoys, threatens or alarms another through physical or verbal means. Said Addabbo, 

“Each unfounded claim becomes a waste of taxpayer time and money, for an inspector must invest time and effort to investigate the false claim.”

Addabbo concluded, “Should this bill become law, I plan on working with the appropriate agencies to ensure individuals are no longer subjected to misconceived threats.”

STATEMENT BY NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO, JR. ON TODAY’S OPENING OF RESORTS WORLD NEW YORK JOB CENTER

June 6, 2011

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens), released the following statement on today’s opening of the Resorts World New York Job Center:

I appreciate the professional efforts of Genting New York and the fulfillment of another promise made to the community with the opening of a Job Center at the site of the Aqueduct Racino, Resorts World New York. While I believe that the demand for jobs citywide greatly exceeds the supply of job opportunities, I am grateful for Genting’s emphasis on local hiring. Through the opening of the onsite job center and its Web site, http://www.rwnewyork.com, Genting has provided qualified residents with the means of applying for employment at Resorts World New York. I look forward to meeting with Genting monthly to address various issues in addition to jobs, which include public safety and traffic patterns, and always respect their commitment to adhering to the concerns of my constituents.

Senate Democrats, Good-Government Groups Talk Ethics | Vote Up NY!

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This is a video of Senate Democrats’ news conference today on the six ethics-reform bills they have introduced. The legislation would:

– Set up an independent ethics commission to police the legislative and executive branches;

– Increase financial and client disclosure requirements for public officials, legislative employees and candidates;

– Restrict the personal use of campaign funds;

– Develop a public campaign-financing system for state races.

– Create an independent redistricting commission;

– Eliminate pay-to-play in the state.

Meanwhile, the Citizens Union of the City of New York and other good-government groups held a news conference on what they described as an Albany “crime wave.”

One in 11 legislators - 17 of 185 - who have left office since 1999 have done so because of ethical misconduct or criminal charges, according to the Citizens Union. In the past four years, nine lawmakers have left for one of those reasons, compared to a total of eight in the previous eight years.

“So you can see that the pace has increased dramatically, which is why we have called this a crime wave that needs to be stopped,” said Dick Dadey, executive director of the Citizens Union.”

Assemblymembers and Advocates Call for Publicly Financed Voter-Owned Elections in Wake of Citizens United Anniversary

Letter to Senate, Assembly Signed by Over 50 Organizations Saying New York Must Lead by Putting People, Not Big Money Corporations, In Control of Elections, Restore Trust in Government

Members of the New York State Assembly joined advocates from good government groups, labor, issue advocacy organizations and citizen activists today as they called for passage of a publicly financed voter-owned elections system for statewide and legislative races in New York.

In a Siena poll release last week, 70% of New York voters supported creating a system of publicly financed voter-owned elections. Governor Cuomo has repeatedly noted his support, as well.

As the one year anniversary of the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision that allowed corporate and special interests to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence our elections passed last Friday, New Yorkers were again reminded of the need to truly reform our elections system, putting the voices of people before those of wealthy corporate interests. Voter-owned elections are the best way for our elected officials to restore the public’s trust in government.

Organizations presented a letter addressed to Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, signed by over 50 organizations from across New York calling for the passage of publicly financed voter-owned elections during this legislative session. 

“New York can’t afford to wait any longer to enact a system of publicly financed voter-owned elections,” said Jessica Wisneski, Legislative Director of Citizen Action of New York. “Voters don’t trust that their government is working for their interests. 70% of the public wants to take their elections back from big money corporations, Wall Street bankers, and their lobbyists by establishing a system of voter-owned elections for statewide and legislative campaigns. Citizen Action commends the Assemblymembers who are standing with us today who have taken action to stand up for democracy by restoring integrity to our electoral process.”

"No single reform has the power to reshape Albany like campaign finance reform -- removing money from the political process will open the door to competitive elections and shut the door on donor driven decision-making," said Assemblyman Rory Lancman.

[Assemblyman Lancman was on the Susan Arbetter show on Capitol Pressroom to discuss campaign finance reform.  The show airs across the state and in the Capitol Region on WVCR-FM 88.3.  The Assemblyman discussed public financing of campaigns. Click below to listen (9 mins 13 seconds)...

 

"In the year since the Citizens United decision, we have already seen corporate money begin to flow in ways that are troubling for our democracy," said Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh who chairs the Assembly subcommittee that oversees election operations and voting rights. "The ability of special interests to drown out the average citizen’s voice has never been greater, and the need for common sense campaign finance reform, including public financing of campaigns, has never been more pressing. It’s not an overstatement to say that our democracy depends on it."

"Campaign finance reform is a critical step that we must take toward making our government more transparent and less captive to special interests,” said Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in government and the distinguished advocacy groups represented here today to make this a reality."

"If we are really going to reform Albany, we've got to start with where all of us start when we run for office--with the way campaigns are financed," said Assemblymember Francisco Moya. "Publicly financed elections allow for more accountability, transparency and time to focus on the most important part of our job, the voters and the issues they care about."

"If the State is going to see the kind of reform that Governor Cuomo has called for, and that the people of New York expect, we need to change the way elections are financed, and that begins with public financing of elections," said Lawrence Norden, a senior counsel at the Brennan Center. "The best way to end expensive give-aways to special interest is to counteract the corrupting influence they gain by financing our elections."

"Public Campaign applauds the members of the New York Assembly and advocates who are pushing for a publicly financed fair elections system to combat the influence of big money interests in politics." said Nick Nyhart, President & CEO of Public Campaign. 

"Citizens United made a bad problem worse, and in order to put voters back in charge, the entire state legislature should pass an alternative small-donor driven system of funding elections this year."

“New York’s political landscape, with its sky-high campaign contribution limits, is easily dominated by big money contributors – a situation compounded by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, as we saw in last year’s election. To his credit, Governor Cuomo recognizes that this situation is toxic to a well-functioning state and has pledged to help end it by his support for public funding of elections for state races. There is great momentum for making this pledge a reality now, while the excesses of the 2010 election are still fresh in everyone’s memory. Common Cause/NY, as a long-time advocate of public funding for New York State urges Governor Cuomo to work with these Assembly Members, our coalition and the thousands of supporters for public financing around the state to pass a public funding bill early in the session,” said Deanna Bitetti, Associate Director, Common Cause/NY.

"Putting in place a system of public financing of elections is the single best way to combat the negative consequences of the Citizens United decision and reduce the improper influence of large private contributions," said Dave Palmer, Executive Director of the Center for Working Families.

"Extraordinarily well financed special interests, whose narrow interests are far too often adverse to the interests of the people of our state, will continue to exert undue and detrimental influence until such time as we finally adopt a state wide system of public financing of elections," said Assembly member Charles Lavine (13th Assembly District).

"Public financing is needed now more than ever in the wake of the Citizens United court decision which has allowed unregulated, undisclosed, and unrestricted private spending to dominate politics," said Assemblymember James F. Brennan.

"It's never been more important, with the vast amounts of corporate money being poured into elections, that we enact public financing of campaigns this year," saidAssemblywoman Barbara Lifton.

"We need public campaign financing to make sure candidates who don’t have personal wealth or support from wealthy contributors can get their message out and compete effectively with wealthy or well-funded candidates," said Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried.

"With unchecked spending and appallingly high contribution limits, corporate interests have used their power of the purse to unduly influence elected officials on issues ranging from the environment to affordable housing," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF). "I am proud to support legislation requiring stricter contribution limits, instituting public financing for state elections and tougher regulations governing lobbying practices. New Yorkers deserve honest, transparent government and it’s time to finally act on these reforms. Albany has been marred by scandal in recent years, but this session offers us a chance at redemption. Competitive publicly financed elections will mean more incumbents challenged at the ballot box but fewer of them leaving in handcuffs. Competitive publicly financed elections will lead to housing policy formulated for tenants and not landlords. Competitive publicly financed elections will lead to gas drilling policies crafted by the people drinking our water and not those polluting it. New York can restore its standing as a progressive leader but we have to fix the way we finance campaigns first."