As initially reported in Buzzfeed, Fortune, and the New York Times editorial board, New York State Senator Brad Hoylman (D. 27th District) has introduced a bill that can fix some of the damage done by the 2016 election. This bill deserves and needs popular support.

The T.R.U.M.P. (Tax Returns Uniformly Made Public) Act, "would force candidates for president to release five years of tax returns to the New York State board of elections no later than 50 days before the general election, which would in turn redact personal information and make the returns public. Failure to comply with the legislation should it become law would prohibit the state’s electors from voting for that candidate and the candidate’s name would not appear on the New York state ballot." As Hoylman states, Trump's refusal to disclose his returns have denied voters "an important perspective on the candidate’s potential conflicts of interests as well as their financial well-being and how much he gave to charity.”

With Russian interference in the 2016 election now an established fact, it is essential that Trump's tax returns be released. This bill will be a crucial lever in forcing that release. It could moreover could prove instrumental in restricting the reach of the incoming Trump administration. Since the Republican administration and congress would be unlikely to act on this, this becomes a matter for the states. And thus New York, with its 31 electoral votes, can make a significant national impact with this legislation.

Please sign and share. Senator Hoylman is following our petition's progress with interest. Since the bill was first announced there have been similar bills introduced in California, Massachusetts, and Maine. There is a chance to make a real difference here. Your support matters!