The statement can be attributed to Rising Voices Co-Executive Director Jasmine Rivera.
The expanded Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), also called the Working Families Tax Credit, is a much needed boost for 740,000 families statewide. The new legislation increases the state match of the federal tax credit from 6% to 30% for low income families. This means families will receive an average credit of $750 when they file for taxes, which they can use for expenses like child care, groceries, or car insurance which have all risen in the past year.
According to a recent report, 13% of Asian Americans and 27% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in Michigan live in poverty. The expansion of the federal EITC during the pandemic has proven to be an effective program in reducing poverty and prevented millions of Americans from being pushed below the poverty line. The past few months, Rising Voices has been engaged with lawmakers calling for the expansion of this credit because we think it is a step in the right direction to lift up all communities–especially communities of color across the state. We will continue to push for progressive policies that advances working class Asian Americans.
It is important to note that this legislation is bipartisan, having passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate. We are thankful for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, bill sponsors Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet and Representative Angela Witwer, leadership and lawmakers in the Legislature, partner organizations and coalitions, and community advocates who championed this important issue. We encourage eligible families to claim the federal and state EITCs when you file your taxes this year and every year going forward.
For more information, check out the Michigan League for Public Policy’s fact sheet on EITC.
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