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Gov. Cuomo wants requirement for NY public office candidates to release tax returns

Posted 1/20/19

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced a proposal that would mandate full disclosure of tax returns by candidates for public office is included in the 2019 Executive Budget. The proposal …

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Gov. Cuomo wants requirement for NY public office candidates to release tax returns

Posted

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced a proposal that would mandate full disclosure of tax returns by candidates for public office is included in the 2019 Executive Budget.

The proposal requires candidates running for statewide public office to disclose 10 years of federal and state tax returns, and requires candidates for the State Assembly and State Senate to disclose 5 years of federal and state tax returns as a condition of getting on the ballot for a general election.

"While this federal administration seems intent on operating in secrecy and darkness, New York State is working to provide the public with more information to better inform their choice at the ballot box," Cuomo said in a prepared statement. "Mandating that this critical information be made public will shed sunlight and sunshine on potential conflicts of interest and increase the ethical standards of public officials serving New Yorkers."

Under this proposal, a candidate for public office must disclose their tax returns to the New York State Board of Elections no later than 60 days before a general election and agree to public disclosure of their returns by the Board of Elections. The Board of Elections will make any redactions it deems appropriate or required by law, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Taxation and Finance, Cuomo’s office said.

While full tax transparency has been the norm for individuals seeking public office, there is currently no requirement that elected officials disclose their past tax returns in New York State.

Cuomo said the measure is aimed at reassuring voters “that candidates running for public office meet the ethical standards required of elected officials.”

Additionally, his office said it will provide voters with “valuable insight into the personal financial history of individuals seeking public office, shedding light on potential conflicts of interest and ensuring our leaders are working for the people and not for themselves.”