In an effort to open up the campaign process in New York State, Assemblyman Tom Alfano joined in a bi-partisan coalition to pass campaign finance reform in the state Assembly. Calling the package a sure-fire way to open up the campaign process, Alfano described the measure as "a positive step in getting everyone involved in the electoral process."

The bill will restrict the flow of special interest money in reforming how political campaigns are financed. The campaign finance reform act of 2001:

* Bans soft money contributions to political parties' housekeeping accounts;

* Closes loopholes that allow corporations to avoid campaign contribution limits by funneling dollars;

* Bans fund raisers by state legislators or state-wide candidates within 40 miles of the state's capital;

* Improves campaign finance reporting procedures;

* Requires clear identification of the funding source for communication materials;

* Empowers local governments to enact public financing programs for local campaigns;

* Establishes penalties for willful violation of the public financing provisions.

"This is a meaningful reform that will open the process and make the citizen first rather than special interests," said Alfano. "The halls of government are the people's, not well-heeled special interests."

Alfano noted that people he listens to in the community want to become a part of the legislative process but feel that their voices are simply drowned out by special interests who have the power to influence. "Measures like full disclosure of contributions, banning soft money and identification of mailings into districts give voters and citizens a real chance to be a part of the system instead of being on the outside looking in," he added.

Alfano also pointed to United States Senator John McCain, who visited the 22nd Assembly District, which encompasses West Hempstead, Franklin Square and Elmont, to buoy campaign finance reform throughout the country. Alfano met with McCain after a town hall meeting in Elmont and Franklin Square, where the leaders discussed the measures.

The bill, which came to vote recently, saw Alfano and other Republican Assembly members John Ravitz (R-Manhattan), Mike Spano (R-Yonkers), and Donna Ferrara (R-Westbury) join with Democrats to pass the measures in the Assembly. The Campaign Finance Reform bill was indeed one of the most prominent measures to pass the Assembly as Sheldon Silver debated the measure on the floor of the Assembly. The last Speaker to debate a bill on the floor in this manner was the late Speaker Stanley Fink, who, in 1986, debated an issue concerning free speech.

"Clearly this was an important moment in making our government more accountable and accessible to the people," Alfano said. "People should have a role in elections and government and I was glad to be a part of this effort."

The Assembly's campaign finance reform package had been lauded by the New York Public Research Group, the League of Women Voters and other government reform advocates.