SENATE RESOLUTION 14

(By Senators Miller, Stollings, Woelfel, Yost, Kessler, Unger, Williams and Plymale)

[Introduced January 29, 2016]

Designating January 29, 2016, as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day at the Legislature.

            Whereas, The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the best tools we have for preventing poverty and expanding opportunity for low-income workers and their families; and

Whereas, The Earned Income Tax Credit has been expanded by every president in office since 1975 and now enjoys more than 40 years of helping workers keep more of what they have earned; and

Whereas, Despite the Earned Income Tax Credit’s proven benefits, one out of every five eligible workers does not claim it. This is often due to a lack of awareness of the credit; and

Whereas, Those most at risk of overlooking their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit include people with disabilities, grandparents raising children, English-language learners and workers in remote areas; and

Whereas, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs offer free tax preparation for lower-income workers to help them make the most of their tax returns. VITA sites raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit in their communities and help to ensure that all eligible workers receive the credit; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 29, 2016, as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives with Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.