Unconstitutional Tax Legislation Will Restrict Voter Choice

SACRAMENTO - Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) issued the following statement after Senate Bill 27 was signed into law. Legislative Republicans voted against SB 27, but legislative Democrats pushed for it because of their hostility toward the current U.S. President.

The newly-signed legislation requires a candidate for U.S. President or California Governor who wants to be on the state ballot to file copies of their federal income tax return from the five most recent taxable years with California Secretary of State.

"Regardless of the political affiliation of the current President of the United States, this individual deserves our respect. Here in California, we call on the President when disaster strikes and he has come through for us time and time again. Whether it is multiple wildfires or the failure of the Oroville Dam, the President delivered with federal aid.

"California has tangible issues affecting our families such as high gas taxes, homelessness, and housing affordability. One poll even stated that 53% of Californians want to flee the Golden State. Yet, Sacramento Democrats continue to focus on the President instead of being focused on issues that affect every day Californians' lives.

"Governor Brown vetoed similar legislation saying this requirement is unconstitutional, and I am confident the courts will agree," said Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove.