The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) announced today that it would support legislation requiring presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns before appearing on the ballot in Massachusetts. JCRC endorses MA S. 365, An Act Restoring Financial Transparency in Presidential Elections.

In a message to the community, the leadership of JCRC said:

“We live in a time when the norms of a healthy constitutional democracy are threatened. While this challenge to the American experiment did not emerge overnight, its intensity has heightened. Throughout American history – when there is an erosion of practices that serve to ensure a healthy check and balance on executive power, or that safeguard the ability  of citizens to be informed about our elected leaders – we, the people, have taken measures to codify the ones we value with new laws to protect our democracy.

“Since the 1970s, candidates for the Presidency – both Republicans and Democrats alike – have voluntarily shared with the public their tax returns and other financial information. These disclosures have allowed citizens to make more informed decisions as we choose our leaders, with insight into their interests and dealings.

“As we look to future elections, it is no longer a given that aspirants for the highest office will voluntarily disclose their taxes, and absent action, there is no real incentive to comply with the norm. Given the significant public benefit of this information, JCRC believes that it is necessary to codify as law that presidential candidates be required to disclose their tax returns in order to appear on the ballot.

“JCRC believes that a vibrant constitutional democracy is the foundation of our nation’s success and has made the United States a haven for Jews and other minorities. As we see our democratic norms threatened, now is the time to come together and take the necessary steps to defend that which makes us great. JCRC compliments Massachusetts State Senator Michael Barrett (Third Middlesex) for his leadership in filing S.365 and JCRC supports efforts to ensure the rights of voters to make informed decisions in future elections.”