Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R,C,I,Reg- Big Flats) today voted against legislation which would allow for the release of an individual’s state tax returns if requested by the chairpersons of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee or the Joint Committee on Taxation. This is the second bill put forward by the Assembly Majority with a brazenly political motive but which would have dire consequences to the privacy and protection of New Yorkers.

“Again the Assembly Majority’s intent on attacking their political enemy - President Trump, but to the detriment to the privacy and civil liberties of New York residents,” said Friend. “This is another dangerous step toward state-controlled government similar to the dictatorships our country has defeated in previous wars. We should be focused on the issues that are important to New Yorkers such as providing relief from over-burdensome regulations, taxes, and fees, and making every effort to improve the lives of New Yorkers through jobs and careers.”

Yesterday, the Assembly Majority approved legislation which removed double jeopardy protections which are critical for the civil liberties of New Yorkers. Even the New York Civil Liberties Union has voiced its opposition due to the dangerous precedent the law creates in eroding protections for residents of this state and elsewhere.