The big question was whether the new reporting guidelines would be retroactive to January or begin July 1. JCOPE chose July 1.
That means single-source contributions above $5,000 from individuals or lobbying groups must be reported for the semi-annual reporting period that began last month and ends December 31.
The decision is supported by the Cuomo administration. Gov. Cuomo has been under fire for what critics say is a lack of his transparency. That includes not only failing to disclose Committee to Save New York donors but also micromanaging which papers about his time as attorney general can be made public.
"The Governor is committed to unveiling all this," Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy said. "He is about transparency. I've read some of the stories, I think it's reinforced where JCOPE is coming from as well. It's opening up. It's never been done before."
Good government groups concede that these new disclosure requirements are a marked improvement from the previous system. However, critics say New York State still has a long way to go with transparency. Comprehensive campaign finance reform, for example, has yet to be enacted.
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Michael H. Drucker
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