On July 23rd, Children’s HealthWatch submitted a testimony to Chairman Hinds, Chairman Cusack, and members of the Joint Committee on Revenue. Currently, the state has opportunities to improve the health of young children and reduce economic hardship by enacting legislation that responds to the realities of working families with young children. We write in strong support of the following bills:

• 2434/S.1646 – An Act improving the earned income credit for working families/An Act improving the earned income credit for healthier families
• 2431/S.1640 – An Act to support voluntary income tax assistance sites and expand access to the earned income tax credit

By increasing the earned income tax credit (EITC) to 50 percent of the federal level, ensuring that all families with low incomes, including immigrants, are able to access the credit, and supporting volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) sites to help working families access the EITC, we have an opportunity to improve the health, well-being, and economic mobility of families with children across the Commonwealth. We urge the committee to swiftly and favorably report these important pieces of legislation out of committee.