Gallivan sponsors legislation to shine light on pay-to-play in Albany

State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan, R-C-I-Elma, announced he is sponsoring legislation aimed at addressing the alleged pay-to-play culture that exists between private contractors vying for procurement and service contracts and state government.

"New Yorkers deserve a state government they can trust and one that strives to serve the people, not secondary interests," Gallivan said. "This bill will help ensure that companies receiving contracts for public works are being awarded based on their ability to do the job effectively and efficiently on behalf of the taxpayers, not as part of any quid-pro-quo."

The legislation (S.5962) will require commercial entities seeking business with the state to disclose any political contributions made during the preceding eighteen months to the governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general or any member of the state legislature, or any political candidate for such offices. Should a business be awarded a state contract, it will be required to report any additional contributions made during its term.

The new law would also bar any business from receiving a state contract for four years if found to have hidden or distorted contributions that would become subject to disclosure under this legislation.

"Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and I think it is perfectly reasonable for companies to disclose any campaign contributions made to officials who are responsible for the bidding and awarding of state contacts on behalf of the citizens they are elected to serve," Gallivan said.

The bill is authored by Sen. Andrew Lanza, R-Staten Island, and is being sponsored in the Assembly by Assemblyman Steve Englebright, D-Long Island.