Bill would apply to 2020 election

(Madison)—State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) and State Representative David Crowley (D-Milwaukee) announced today that they will introduce a bill to require all presidential candidates seeking to be placed on the primary or general election ballot in Wisconsin in 2020 to submit copies of their tax returns when filing their declaration of candidacy.

“There has and continues to be a great deal of speculation among voters of all stripes about the current president’s financial dealings and the possible impact they could have on decisions he is making on behalf of the American people,” said Hansen.  “I am deeply concerned that President Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns will encourage future candidates to follow suit.  If that happens it could have an undermining effect on the Office of the President.”

Under the bill any candidate seeking to have his or her name placed on the primary or general election ballot for president or vice president would be required to submit their tax returns for the three most recent years prior to filing their candidacy with the Wisconsin Elections Commission.  Once the returns are received the Elections Commission will be required to post a candidate’s returns on its website within 48 hours upon receiving them.

“American citizens have the right to know the financial backgrounds of those they are choosing to occupy the most powerful position in the world,” said Crowley.  “They have a right to know with a high degree of confidence that any decisions being made on their behalf are being done with their best interests at heart rather and are not based on any hidden financial motive.”

If enacted the bill would go into effect for the 2020 presidential election.

“While there is a great deal of concern with the current lack of transparency with this president, our bill is aimed at addressing future concerns that could arise if presidential candidates continue to choose to withhold their tax returns from public view,” Hansen said.

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