Former State Rep. Keith Fitzgerald Proposes New Transparency Measure

Press Release

Today, Keith Fitzgerald, former state representative and candidate for U.S. Congress, proposed a transparency measure that would require candidates and Members of Congress to disclose their individual tax returns to the House and Senate Ethics Committee upon declaring their candidacy.

"At a time when trust in Congress is at an all-time low, greater transparency and disclosure is needed from all candidates and elected officials. This requirement is a tradition in the Florida legislature and one that Congress should adopt today," said Keith Fitzgerald. "This is one of many small steps that are needed to regain the public's trust and confidence in our political institutions."

On April 19th, Keith Fitzgerald challenged Congressman Vern Buchanan to release his 2011 tax returns, but Congressman Buchanan has only "dismissed" releasing his returns. Representative Buchanan continues to faces questions into tax evasion and an IRS investigation. Keith Fitzgerald's tax returns, on the other hand, are posted on his campaign website.

Keith Fitzgerald is a long time reformer for open government. As representative in the Florida House, Fitzgerald proposed legislation to bring more transparency and openness to government in Tallahassee. The Bradenton Herald wrote that Fitzgerald was "well known for his integrity and resistance to special interests."

Background

Buchanan Has Dismissed Releasing Tax Returns. "Democratic congressional candidate Keith Fitzgerald is challenging U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan to release copies of his federal income tax returns for public review […] So far, there has been no response from Buchanan's campaign to Fitzgerald's challenge." [Bradenton Herald,4/19/12]

Buchanan Under Investigation by the IRS. "Federal inquiries surrounding Mr. Buchanan appear to be widening, as investigators examine allegations that his companies improperly reimbursed contributors to his campaigns and claimed improper tax deductions and that he failed to include all his varied financial interests in his Congressional disclosure reports […] Agents for the F.B.I. and the Internal Revenue Service recently contacted former employees alleging financial improprieties by Mr. Buchanan, who owns a number of auto dealerships throughout Florida and elsewhere and is one of the richest members of Congress." [New York Times, 2/23/12]

Buchanan's Former Business Partner Said Buchanan Was Engaged in Tax Evasion. His former business partner testified "Buchanan was engaged in fraud, evasion of U.S. income tax, and conspiracy to evade taxes." [WTSP, 6/19/12]

Buchanan Uses Offshore Reinsurance Companies to Reduce Tax Burden. In 2006, the Sarasota Tribune reported on Buchanan's use of offshore reinsurance companies to reduce his taxes. [Sarasota Tribune Herald, 10/31/06]

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