NEW YORK, NY — (07-08-19) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), signed a state bill on Monday that permits the state Tax commissioner to release President Donald Trump’s tax returns for investigative purposes by Washington Congressional committees.

The bill specifically requires New York’s tax commissioner to release any state tax return requested by the the Senate Finance Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee and Joint Committee on Taxation, for “specified and legitimate legislative purpose.”

Though the legislation is effective immediately, there has been no word yet as to when any of the three congressional committees will be requesting Trump’s state tax returns.

One thing you can count on is the Trump administration contesting the state’s legality in court.

Gov. Cuomo Signs Legislation to Release Donald Trump’ State Tax Returns

If the courts refuse to block the law signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, congressional committees as well as Americans will finally be able to see the president’s real income and business dealings.

The law specifically requires the New York State Commissioner to redact sensitive information prior to the release of the tax returns. This includes anything that might violate state or federal law. Private information like Social Security numbers, residential addresses and account numbers will be omitted from the documents.

“Tax secrecy is paramount ― the exception being for bonafide investigative and law enforcement purposes,”said Gov. Cuomo in a statement. “By amending the law enforcement exception in New York State tax code to include Congressional tax-related committees, this bill gives Congress the ability to fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities, strengthen our democratic system and ensure that no one is above the law.” said Cuomo.

With Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin refusing to comply with congressional subpoenas for Trump’s tax returns, the state of New York took matters into their own hands.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman (D), who co-sponsored the New York bill, said that he set out to frame the legislation to bolster congressional oversight at the federal level.

“Donald Trump has broken forty years of political tradition by not releasing his tax returns.” said Hoylman in a statement back in May. “Now, his administration is precipitating a constitutional showdown by shielding the President from Congressional oversight over those returns. Our system of checks and balances is failing. New York has a special role and responsibility to step into the breach.” said Hoylman.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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