Social service professionals and community leaders gather to raise awareness and connect eligible taxpayers with resources.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (February 27, 2024) — Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) hosted a panel discussion Monday with state and local leaders to raise awareness about the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). A long-awaited Democratic priority, expansion of the state’s EITC was among the very first bills passed in 2023 and went into effect in February of 2024.
“By quintupling the Working Families Tax Credit, we delivered on our promise to provide real, immediate relief to those who need it most. Before taking public office, I was a nonprofit caseworker who helped working people meet their basic needs – and I know that for many in our community, the check that is hitting their mailbox this month will be the difference between being able to make their car payment, fill their fridge, or pay a past-due gas bill – or not,” Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks said. “Today, I’m glad to help spread the word to ensure that every eligible taxpayer knows about this important tax credit.”
Leader Brinks was joined by Erika Gonzalez, Managing Director of The Source; Brian Rakovitis, Director of Economic Inclusion for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan; Rachel Richards, Fiscal Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy; and Keenan King, Executive Director of Kent School Services Network. The panel outlined the importance of the expanded tax credit, emphasized local resources for community members to access when preparing their taxes, and detailed the economic and social impact that the EITC increase will have across the state.
Between state and federal EITC programs, approximately 700,000 Michiganders will see an average of $3,150 back in their pockets, a clear representation of the Senate Democratic majority’s commitment to tackling the real challenges that Michigan families are facing.
For those interested in learning more about the newly expanded EITC, several helpful resources are detailed in this tax tips newsletter.
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