FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2001
Contact: Barbara LoMoriello, Legislative Aide (631) 854-4500

Huntington Legislator Appeals to State

Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) has filed legislation requesting authorization from the New York State Legislature to impose a one-cent tax per tobacco product sold in Suffolk County to fund public financing of county elections. Cooper estimated that the tax could raise as much as $1 million annually.

The Suffolk Legislature in 1998 adopted a law authorizing public financing of county election campaigns with a tax check-off system. Under the law, which was also approved by voters in a public referendum, candidates for county office who agree to limit their spending and decline contributions from lobbyists, political action committees and companies doing business with the county would qualify for public financing.

Cooper, citing the popularity of public campaign financing among county residents, said his resolution would raise enough money to make the program viable.

"Suffolk residents support public financing of campaigns, but the tax check-off system simply isn’t raising enough money to make a difference," Cooper said today. "An additional tobacco tax would raise the money we need to operate a truly effective public financing system in the county."

Cooper’s resolution will be considered by the Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee at its next meeting on Monday, March 5th. If approved by the Legislature, it will be sent to the appropriate state government leaders.