FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Contact: Jeff Gohringer, 202-618-6430 or jgohringer@bettermarkets.com

Better Markets Statement Ahead of Tonight’s Democratic Debate

Washington, DC — Better Markets President and CEO Dennis Kelleher released this statement ahead of tonight’s Democratic debate:

“Nothing has done more damage to middle class families, our economy, and our government’s finances than the 2008 financial crash and the Great Recession, which caused more than $20 trillion in economic wreckage. That’s why all the Presidential candidates should detail and discuss their comprehensive plans for protecting Main Street from Wall Street’s too-big-to-fail firms. Tonight’s debate is another opportunity for Sen. Sanders and Sec. Clinton to do just that.

The American people deserve to hear how they would finally end the revolving door and the outsized influence that Wall Street’s biggest firms have over elected officials, policy makers, and regulators, which continues to seriously erode the American people’s trust and confidence in their government. Each candidate should commit to barring those they appoint from contacting their government offices for three years once they leave public service, to help end the corrupt revolving door. The candidates should discuss their plans for finally ending too-big-to-fail to protect America’s families and take them off the hook for future bailouts. Lastly, Sen. Sanders and Sec. Clinton should insist that all federal agencies with jurisdiction for prosecuting illegal conduct in connection with the 2008 financial crash commence all appropriate legal actions by June 1, 2016 – so that finally, those who broke the law are held responsible and accountable under the law.

Americans overwhelmingly support stricter rules for Wall Street’s too-big-to-fail firms. The public deserves to be protected from the unique threats posed by their high-risk activities. All candidates owe the American people clear, specific, concrete details on how they plan to prevent another devastating financial crash.”

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Better Markets is a non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to promote the public interest in the financial markets, support the financial reform of Wall Street and make our financial system work for all Americans again. Better Markets works with allies – including many in finance – to promote pro-market, pro-business and pro-growth policies that help build a stronger, safer financial system that protects and promotes Americans’ jobs, savings, retirements and more. To learn more, visit www.bettermarkets.com.