Stefanik Announces Transparency and Accountability Agenda, Set to Release Tax Returns

Press Release

Congressional candidate Elise Stefanik today released a new agenda to promote government accountability and transparency, including the release of her 2013 Effective Tax Rate, and announced a series of measures that set a new standard for openness and transparency that she would follow if elected to Congress.

"It's time for a new generation of leadership in Washington, DC," said Stefanik. "That includes a new agenda for transparency and accountability for every tax payer in the 21st District."

"The public release of my tax returns, and establishing a North Country Accountability Agenda provides voters a clear choice between one candidate who is committed to new ideas and to transparency in government, and another who refuses to meet not only my standard for accountability, but also his own."

Stefanik's North Country Accountability and Transparency Agenda

In addition to the release of her tax returns this week, Stefanik's Transparency and Accountability agenda includes the following:

-Congressional Accountability: Since announcing her campaign over a year ago, Elise has discussed her commitment that Congress should live by the same laws as the rest of us. No special perks, special deals, or laws passed that don't apply to Congress when they apply to hard-working American taxpayers.

-Annual release of tax returns: As a member of Congress, Elise will follow Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand in the yearly release of her personal financial disclosure and individual federal tax returns while in office.

For Tax Year 2013, Stefanik reported the following:

- Adjusted Gross Income: $70,775

-Taxable Income: $60,775

-Taxes Paid: $13,199

-Effective Tax Rate: 21.7%

Stefanik also announced her full tax returns would be available to the media this week, and once again challenged Aaron Woolf -- who for several days has refused Stefanik's call -- to do the same.

-Publishing a Daily Official Schedule in Congress: Following the precedent of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Elise will publish her daily schedule of official duties on her Congressional website.

-Mobile Congressional Office: Elise will ensure taxpayers in the vast 21st Congressional District have access to her office. She will create a Mobile Congressional Office that will travel to and hold office hours across each of the District's counties.

-Post every vote on Facebook: Because voters deserve to know what their legislators are deliberating and voting on, Elise will post every vote on Facebook and to her Congressional website.

-District Grant Coordinator: Elise will assign a senior member of her team to serve as a Grants Coordinator to help inform local organizations, municipalities and businesses about opportunities to apply for federal grants, and assist them with applications.

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