This Week’s Must Read: The EITC, an Important Tool for Economic Growth

The New York Times reports on the refund delay, Oklahoma works to reinstate a refundable EITC, and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reflects on Obama’s anti-poverty achievement.

  • The New York Times writes about the consequences of the refund delay on working families, including additional financial hardships and possible predatory lending.
  • Last year, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill that reduced the state EITC by 75 percent. Rep. Collin Walke is currently working to reverse the lawmaker’s decision and restore the state’s EITC.
  • Many veteran-specific bills focus on retirement income, which misses many families who do not receive a pension. Eleanor Wheeler of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families discusses how a state EITC would better help Arkansas veterans.
  • The New York Times suggests that President-elect Donald Trump expand the EITC for childless workers to spur long-term economic growth by encouraging entry-level work.
  • A Pennsylvania and New Jersey advocate assert that if Republicans repeal Obamacare and turn Medicaid and SNAP into block grants, millions of Americans will suffer. Fortunately, expanding the EITC to workers not raising children would lift Americans out of poverty and be a bipartisan ray of hope for Americans.
  • As president Obama’s term comes to a close, CBPP’s Arloc Sherman outlines the President’s anti-poverty achievement through the safety net.


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