For Immediate Release:
March 15, 2023

Contact:
Mike Clement, mike.clement@firesidecampaigns.com

ALBANY — The New York State Senate has proposed significant improvements for funding local election administration throughout the Empire State, which includes a total increase of $32 million for state and local elections funding, with $15 million for aid to local boards to increase salaries and hire new employees, another $15 million above and beyond Governor’s Hochul’s budget to local boards for new voting equipment and software and technology upgrades, and $2 million to develop an Elections Database and Institute.

Sam Oliker-Friedland, executive director of the Institute for Responsive Government, issued the following statement:

“The Senate’s proposed budget builds on a strong foundation from Gov. Hochul and will support secure, accessible elections in New York State with improved funding for poll workers and new equipment. I hope that the legislature will pass these provisions without delay so that local elections officials have as much time as possible to upgrade their equipment before the 2024 election cycle. We are grateful to the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who clearly heard and listened to the needs of local election officials in New York State.”

To speak with IRG subject matter experts about the need for regular, predictable public funding for local election departments, please contact mike.clement@firesidecampaigns.com.

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The Institute for Responsive Government is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to ensuring state and federal governments work effectively for the very people they serve. IRG provides data, research and expertise to elected officials in order to find practical policy solutions that make government systems more efficient, accessible, and responsive.