The New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) today announced the launch of a new feature on its website. The new “Doing Business” Contributions Summary page shows users information about campaign contributions from people who are “doing business” with the City.
“By placing low limits on pay-to-play contributions, New York City strengthened what was already among the most transparent campaign finance systems anywhere in the nation. Information about the sources and recipients of „doing business‟ contributions is an important addition to our extensive public disclosure of money in City politics,” said Amy Loprest, Executive Director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board.
Local Law #34 of 2007 placed strict, low limits on contributions from individuals associated with entities doing business with City government. Those contributions are also ineligible to be matched with public funds. The limits took effect in three phases during the 2008 calendar year. To enforce the limits, contributions reported by candidates are compared to the City‟s Doing Business Database (DBDB). After review by the CFB, candidates are required to issue refunds for any amount that exceeds the “doing business” limit.
The “Doing Business” Contribution Summary page shows users the following information:
- the number of “doing business” contributions received by each campaign;
- the dollar amount of “doing business” contributions received by each campaign;
- the amount of refunds issued to “doing business” contributors.
Users may also download an Excel file listing all individual contributions identified as “doing business” with the City.
Data in the “Doing Business” Contributions Summary is based on review by CFB staff of regular disclosures filed by campaigns and information from the DBDB.
For more information about the “doing business” limits and how they are enforced, please access the Doing Business Overview or the Doing Business Contributions FAQ on the CFB website, or contact the CFB Press office at (212)306-7116.