ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday that will prevent non-profits from participating in political campaigns at the state level.
The law states these organizations cannot intervene in any political campaign on behalf or against a candidate running for public office.
This law backs up the federal restriction against the same thing — known as the Johnson Amendment which has been in place since 1954.
Cuomo said the Trump Administration has worked to weaken protections surrounding the Johnson Amendment since it took office and has misled the public by saying the measure had been repealed.
“New Yorkers have the right to free and fair elections, and this law will further protect our democracy from unjustified interferences once and for all,” said Cuomo.
There have been recent efforts by Congress to repeal the measure which prevents non-profits and religious organizations from becoming politicized by making donations or offering support to people running for office.
Cuomo said his administration is codifying the Johnson Amendment into New York law to make sure that even if it’s repealed by Congress on the federal level, non-profit corporations in New York State would still be prohibited from engaging in political activity.
