Healthy Families EITC Coalition Submits Written Testimony to the MA Joint Committee on Ways and Means
On October 1, 2021, the Healthy Families EITC Coalition submitted testimony to Chairman Rodrigues, Chairman Michelwitz, and distinguished members of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on the distribution plan for the $4.8 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Massachusetts. On behalf of the Healthy Families EITC Coalition, we strongly urge the Committees to allocate a portion of the funds to programs that reduce disparities in the Commonwealth. Specifically, we urge the Committees to use funds to increase the state match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 50 percent of the federal credit, expand EITC eligibility to immigrants who file taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), and increase state support of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
The Healthy Families EITC Coalition is a statewide nonpartisan network of advocates working to improve the health and well-being of Massachusetts children and families through an increase in the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and supporting free tax preparation sites, we appreciate the Committee hearing’s focus on education, social equity, safety net, and families. Our 30-plus member coalition convened by Children’s HealthWatch at Boston Medical Center is comprised of a diverse array of community-based agencies, legal advocates, professional associations, civil rights organizations, and most importantly – Massachusetts workers and their families.
