City Commission To Examine Lobbying Limits' Impact
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Nearly five years after the City Council passed legislation to crack down on lobbyists, the laws are finally back in the spotlight as a new commission will soon be examining the rules. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.When Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn took aim at lobbyists back in 2006, no one wanted to be seen as soft on influence peddlers.
"We're not waiting for the next Jack Abramoff to arrive," Bloomberg once said.
The Council passed new lobbying laws, requiring more disclosure from lobbyists, but critics charge the laws are being unfairly applied to non-profit groups when they should be aimed at the next Jack Abramoff.
"The lobbying law is intended to limit undue influence, but it's having the unintended effect of really harassing hundreds if not thousands of small not-for-profits around New York City," said Doug Lasdon of the Urban Justice Center.
Lasdon says complying with the city's lobbying law -- and the disclosure reports it requires -- is overwhelming for non-profits. A computer glitch or a late filing can lead to hefty fines. Other non-profit leaders agree something has to be done.
"The non-profits have an obligation to report back to the city what's going on on the ground. They're the ones that see the lines in the soup kitchens, they're the ones that see emerging needs on the ground," said Allison Sesso of the Human Services Council of New York City. "It's important that non-profits aren't hindered at all from communicating that to government."
But it's not only non-profits that are calling for changes to the law.
"What we do object to is unnecessary paperwork, busywork and kind of a gotcha game that has been written into the rules under the guise of reform," said Lobbyist and Lawyer Ken Fisher.
Lobbyists like Fisher will soon have a chance to sound off to the city's new lobbying commission. Herb Berman, a former City Councilman, will chair the advisory body. It's expected to begin its work later this month.
"I think it's highly unlikely you won't see further reforms as a result of the commission's report. I really anticipate that very strongly," Quinn said.
New Yorkers can be sure political considerations will be at play throughout the process. A potential mayoral candidate like Quinn may be reluctant to sign off on any major changes to the law for fear she'll be labeled a friend of the lobbyists.