A coalition of advocacy organizations -- from good-government groups to the progressive Working Families Party -- are urging New York officials to fully fund a system of publicly financed political campaigns as lawmakers are discussing potentially delaying the program by two years. 

The groups, part of the Fair Elections for New York coalition, are pointing to public polling that has shown support for the system with voters. 

“A strong public campaign finance program means more everyday New Yorkers having a say in their government, and less influence for megadonors and special interests. The Legislature agreed when it passed the program into law three years ago,” the Fair Elections for NY coalition said in a statement. “New Yorkers do not want to wait for another election to pass before New York finally follows through on its commitment to voters.”

Publicly financing elections would create a system in which donations are matched up to $250 from public funds. The program has been long sought by good-government groups as a way of limiting the influence of money in politics. 

Spectrum News 1 reported this week lawmakers are considering a delay as they negotiate a $227 billion spending proposal from Gov. Kathy Hochul. The governor's budget includes $25 million for the program. 

But some lawmakers have quietly raised concerns with the program's details, including how much money can be raised. At the same time, the ongoing redistricting process in the state Assembly -- new maps are being drawn for legislative districts in the chamber ahead of the 2024 election -- is also playing a role in the discussions over a potential delay. 

Republicans who have been skeptical of public financing were heartened by the potential delay. 

“We’re pleased. I’m pleased. It’s something I’ve never supported," Assembly Minority Leader Barclay said in an interview on Capital Tonight on Wednesday. "I don’t think we should be using tax payer dollars to support politicians and their campaigns, so philosophically, ideologically, I’m opposed to it, so any delay we do, I’m happy to see that. We will see if that lasts when we get through redistricting.”