JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Budget Project is hoping Tuesday’s House vote will create momentum for the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
“We hope that today’s vote by the Missouri House to create a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides the momentum needed for the full legislature to act so that by the next tax day, hundreds of thousands of Missourians benefit from this critical economic lifeline,” said Amy Blouin, Budget Project Executive Director. By providing a much needed break to Missourians struggling to get by on low wages, a state EITC can be a pathway to the middle class for hardworking Missouri families. The EITC is one of the best ways Missouri can help working families with modest incomes have the opportunity to build better lives and economic security. What’s more, a state EITC would boost local economies because it puts more money in the pockets of those likely to spend it at local businesses to buy groceries or other basics.”
The Budget Project believes the EITC has many benefits, providing an “immediate boost” to families and providing an investment. They also said children whose families receive the credits are more likely to go to college, leading to a stronger workforce.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee has approved a similar proposal, and the Budget Project believes the full Senate should act quickly before the end of session to create a state EITC.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
