U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Leads Resolution to Recognize Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

Tax credit for workers gives financial boost to millions of Americans and their families, including more than 350,000 Wisconsinites

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin today introduced a resolution to recognize Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day and highlight the financial benefits of this tax credit that promotes work and has helped lift millions of working families with children out of poverty.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit gives our workers and families a financial boost, rewards hard work and helps grow our economy,” said Senator Baldwin. “We know we need to do more to lift people up and out of poverty. By introducing this resolution, I’m working to raise awareness of this tax credit so that all eligible Wisconsin workers and families can keep more of what they’ve earned.”

“The Earned Income Tax Credit is a critical tool to help low-income, hardworking families and individuals in Wisconsin cover essential costs of living. At West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, Inc. (West CAP), our mission is to take action against poverty by helping families and communities access the tools they need to succeed. We commend Senator Baldwin for her leadership on this issue,” said Peter Kilde, Executive Director of West CAP.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit is crucial for hard-working Wisconsinites. At Project Concern, our food pantry serves Cudahy and St. Francis and we do our best to inform our patrons of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). We strongly support EITC Awareness Day and Senator Baldwin’s resolution,” said Debby Pizur, Director of Project Concern in Cudahy, Wisconsin.

“As one of the nation’s largest and most effective anti-poverty programs, the EITC is uniquely positioned to support work, boost local economies, and promote financial stability for individuals and families. Senator Baldwin has long been a champion of the EITC and we are proud to work with her to bring increased awareness to the EITC so that eligible workers have access to the full benefits of the credits,” said Olivia Golden, Executive Director of Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP).

The EITC is a refundable tax credit that rewards work. Research shows the vital credit helps keep children healthy, helps students do better in school and boosts earnings in future generations. In 2016, the EITC lifted about 5.8 million people out of poverty, including 3 million children. Yet, millions of workers are unaware of the credit and their eligibility. An estimated one out of five eligible workers do not claim the EITC.

In 2018, 355,000 Wisconsinites claimed the EITC when filing their taxes, receiving an average amount of $2,265 per household.

Senator Baldwin’s resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The full resolution is available here.