New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) wants All Elected Officials making more than $100,000 per year to make their Annual Tax Returns available to the Public.
The idea stems from the 2018 Pay Commission, which was created by the Legislature to give Lawmakers a Pay Increase. But the Commission went a step further and also Banned Outside Income. That Ban has since been Struck Down by a Judge.
“Look, we haven’t banned outside income, which the commission had recommended. But we have nothing to hide because we will release our taxes,” Cuomo said. “And you can see who’s paying me and who’s not paying me. And you can see if there is a conflict of interest.”
Legislating in Albany is considered only a Part Time Job, so Lawmakers are also allowed to make Money doing completely different Jobs on the side. Cuomo’s Proposal isn’t sitting well with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-83rd District), who was less than enthusiastic about the idea.
“I think our disclosure forms that we have to file give a lot of information,” Heastie said. “I just think this national issue with Trump and his taxes. I think the disclosure forms actually tell more than the tax returns.”
Last year, the Legislature spent a good portion of the Spring Debating and ultimately Passing a Bill that made President Trump’s State Tax Returns available to Congress.
When asked for his take on the Governor’s Proposal, the Sponsor of the Trump Tax Return Bill, David Buchwald (D93rd District, Westchester) would Not comment. A Spokesperson for Buchwald reached out Thursday to say the Assemblyman now Supports the Governor's Proposal.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35th District) seemed more Open to the Idea. “It’s obviously a conversation that is going to begin. And we will be talking about it. But our conference has been pretty clear about how we think people are interested in how we make our money,” said Stewart-Cousins.
Cuomo wanted a Ban on Outside Income for Lawmakers and was frustrated when it was Struck Down. The Governor already Releases his own Tax Returns to the Public each year, so the New Disclosure Law would Not really affect him Personally one way or another.
Part of the reason for the Ban, is the number of Convicted Members of the Legislatures, because of Outside Income Issues.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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