Andrade Pushing Legislation to Require Presidential Candidates to Release Tax Returns

CHICAGO – To help ensure transparency and shine a light on the financial interests of individuals running for President of the United States, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot in Illinois.

“Releasing tax returns during the campaign has been a longstanding tradition for presidential candidates in the past, however, our current President has unacceptably refused to do so,” Andrade said. “Voters deserve to know if the person running the country has a conflict of interest that will influence their agenda or compromise our nation.”

Andrade’s legislation, House Bill 780, amends the Illinois election code requiring any presidential candidate to release their previous five years of tax returns at least 50 days prior to the election. Failure to comply with the new law would ban the candidate from appearing on the ballot.

“During President Trump’s short time in office, he has already made policy decisions that have raised questions about the influence of his businesses,” Andrade said. “Holding an elected, executive office can give individuals vast powers that can be misused to their advantage financially. That is why we need to ensure transparency and give residents the information they deserve when deciding their vote.”

House Bill 780 has been introduced in the House and is awaiting committee assignment.