Mike D'Agostino

"No Tax Returns; No Ballot Access”

A bill introduced by State Representative Mike D’Agostino (D-Hamden) would withhold ballot access in Connecticut for any candidate for President of the United States who does not release his or her federal and state tax returns for the previous five years.

Rep. D’Agostino has introduced HB 6574, “An Act Concerning Disclosure of Presidential Candidates’ Tax Returns” in the General Assembly which has been referred to the Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE) for consideration.

“I believe that the public’s access to a presidential candidate’s tax returns is essential to being able to evaluate that candidate’s worthiness to the highest office in the nation,” Rep. D’Agostino said. “Passing this measure in Connecticut could be a model for the nation.”

“Having presidential candidates disclose their tax returns is not a partisan issue,” Rep. D’Agostino noted. “Polls released during the past year found that a wide majority of voters believe that presidential candidates should release their tax returns for public scrutiny.”

“Presidential candidates have been disclosing their tax returns for decades and at least here in Connecticut we have the opportunity to make sure that practice continues by approving this legislation,” Rep. D’Agostino said.