Senate Democrats announced a website today to give a voice to the 780,000 low income workers who qualify for the earned income tax credit.
Democrats and family advocates are alarmed by proposals from the Republican majorities in the state House and Senate that would eliminate the credit for workers who earn less than $45,000 for a family of four.
Gov. Rick Snyder, who will present his state budget proposal to the Legislature on Thursday, has not publicly taken a position on the EITC, though he’s made it clear his budget will target tax credits in general.
The Senate Dems’ EITC website, includes a petition against eliminating the credit and invites visitors to share stories of how the EITC has helped them. There’s also a video featuring Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, railed against the EITC on the Senate floor last week, saying it costs $370 million Michigan can’t afford.
“While it seems almost unthinkable that Republicans would try to balance the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it, that’s exactly what their proposal would do,” the Senate Dems said in a press release announcing the website today.
Senate Dems have also created a Facebook page for updates on their “efforts to stop this attack against Michigan’s working families.”
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.