Public Campaign Financing Program funds may play a role in legislative elections; justicedelayed [Video]

New York State’s new Public Campaign Finance Program (PCFP) kicked into high gear this year.  Total disbursements from the program are approaching $20 million, with far more to come.

Three hundred twenty-nine legislative candidates originally applied to participate in the program.  Through the end of June most of the dispersed funds went to candidates who were involved in competitive primaries.  Now the focus through the remainder of the year will be on general election candidates who are in competitive races.

Candidates are required to document contributions to their committees in amounts ranging from five to two-hundred-and fifty dollars. Donors must be individuals residing in the legislative district. Donated dollars are matched on a declining scale ranging from twelve dollars per dollar contributed for the first $50 of a contribution; nine dollars per dollar contributed for the next $100 of a contribution; and eight dollars per dollar donated for the next $100. All donations must be documented with information …