Nationwide, as the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches and Americans file their returns, there are increasing calls for President Trump to release his tax returns, but it is New York State that has the clearest path to make them public, with or without his cooperation. The NY TRUTH Act, short for Tax Returns Uphold Transparency and Honesty, would release the state income tax returns filed by public officials elected statewide. A sizeable and growing majority of New York state legislators have already signed on as co-sponsors of the New York TRUTH Act.

The legislation (A.1390/S.2271) directs the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to release the state income tax returns for the last five years of statewide elected officials. Accordingly, it would apply to the President, any Vice-Presidents that file New York State income tax returns, as well as the U.S. Senators representing New York, and the states Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and State Comptroller.

I firmly believe the legislature should take up this measure in early April, soon after the state budget is approved, said the bills lead sponsor, Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester). Here in the Presidents home state, we can release his state income tax returns, and learn what it is he seemingly wants to hide from the American people. I am gratified that so many of my Assembly colleagues and a majority of the Senate are already on the record supporting this effort.

In the State Assembly, over 90 members (out of 150 total) are now co-sponsors. The legislation is carried in the New York State Senate by Senator Brad Hoylman and a majority of Senators, 32, have signed on as co-sponsors.

President Trump broke a decades-long precedent when he refused to release his income taxes while running for office, and severely damaged the public trust, said Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan). New Yorkers need to know if our elected officials are benefiting from public office or refusing to address pervasive conflicts of interest. Thats why I introduced the TRUTH Act with Assemblymember Buchwald, requiring all statewide elected officials in New Yorkincluding President Trumpto release their state income taxes publicly every year. With majority sponsorship in the Assembly and the Senate, we are so close to getting this done. The public has a right to know who is using public office for personal profit.

Every presidential candidate since Richard Nixon has released his or her tax returns, except Donald Trump, said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York. Americans have the right to know if the President is putting his business empire, or the interests of the public, first. We commend Assemblyman Buchwald for continuing to fight for this common sense solution.

This legislation is significant for our tax system and our political system, said Daniel Hemel, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School, and a crafter of the legislation. As taxpayers, we deserve assurance that our leaders are paying their fair share. And as voters, we ought to be informed about potential conflicts of interest that affect our elected officials. The NY TRUTH Act advances these objectives in a constitutionally sound manner, leveraging New York's unique position as the sitting president's home state. The bill commands majority support in the State Assembly and State Senate, and the leaders of the state legislature should bring it to a vote promptly.

An important lesson from the 2016 election is financial transparency, said Bruce Campbell, Steering Committee Member of Indivisible Westchester. The NY TRUTH Act is an important step toward establishing trust in our elected officials.

When signed into law, the NY TRUTH Act would, within thirty days, make the Presidents tax returns public, and because he is a New York resident, would show President Trumps worldwide income.