{"id":2407160,"date":"2025-02-26T17:50:10","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T22:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/pennsylvania-earned-income-tax-credit-gets-another-look-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2025-02-26T17:51:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T22:51:48","slug":"pennsylvania-earned-income-tax-credit-gets-another-look-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/pennsylvania-earned-income-tax-credit-gets-another-look-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania earned income tax credit gets another look &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fpennsylvania-earned-income-tax-credit-gets-another-look-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2407160&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The \u200barticle discusses\u2063 the consideration of implementing \u2063an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in Pennsylvania, as explored in a recent House Finance committee hearing. Currently, 32 states offer some form of EITC, but Pennsylvania is not among them. The hearing focused on &#8220;ALICE&#8221; families\u2014Asset Limited, Income constrained, Employed\u2014who earn \u2063to much to qualify for\u200b government assistance yet struggle with financial stability.<\/p>\n<p>Representative Christina Sappey emphasized \u200dthe need for an EITC, citing that it could help alleviate\u200c poverty for many families, particularly given that\u2064 the\u2062 federal EITC lifts six million Americans out of poverty annually. Despite the support her previous bill received, it did not advance in the Senate.<\/p>\n<p>Advocates argue that the EITC significantly improves the quality of life for families, enabling them to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cbs-anchor-muses-if-famed-walgreens-shoplifter-is-probably-getting-something-you-need-an-act-of-desperation\/\" title=\"CBS Anchor Muses If Famed Walgreens Shoplifter Is \u2018Probably Getting Something You Need,\u2019 \u2018An Act Of Desperation\u2019\">afford basic necessities<\/a> and medical\u2064 care. Testimony from experts indicated that states that adopt an EITC frequently enough see economic benefits, including \u2063growth and reduced reliance on public assistance.<\/p>\n<p>While there is \u2064general agreement on the necessity of an EITC, concerns\u2063 about\u2063 the financial implications were raised, as implementation would cost approximately $600 million\u2014a figure not included in the current state budget. Proponents, however, believe the \u2062investment would yield a considerable return\u200b in economic activity\u200b and tax revenue. \u2062Currently, 41% of\u2063 Pennsylvania households face financial insecurity, highlighting the need for such support initiatives.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Pennsylvania <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">earned income tax credit<\/a> gets another look<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2021537\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square) &ndash; There are 32 states, red and blue, who offer some version of an Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Pennsylvania isn&rsquo;t one of them. The House Finance committee met with experts for an informational hearing on why that should change.<\/p>\n<p>The hearing largely centered around what are known as ALICE families and individuals, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These families live above the poverty line and often earn too much to receive assistance yet financial stability and everyday necessities remain out of reach.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We agree on many of the underlying issues that make a state EITC a smart investment for Pennsylvania,&rdquo; said Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Kennett Square, citing the need for more people choosing to live and work in the state. &ldquo;The possibility of a middle class life has become increasingly remote.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Sappey introduced a bill during the last legislative session that would create an EITC option for Pennsylvanians. She noted that the federal version lifts six million Americans out of poverty each year, half of whom are children. Though her first bill passed the House with support from a handful of Republicans, it never made it out of committee in the Senate.<\/p>\n<p>Advocates say the tax credit makes a demonstrable difference in families&rsquo; lives, helping to cover the cost of medical care, pay down debt, and even buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are otherwise too expensive.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Cynthia Osborne, executive director of the national Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center, noted that the credit even has an impact on birth outcomes, leading to higher birth weights and better health.<\/p>\n<p>States have various approaches to the credit, many offering a percentage of the federal EITC. The credits are broadly popular because they incentivize work and favor families supporting children and other dependents. Current proposals include a refundable credit for 25% of the federal credit.<\/p>\n<p>Michael Hussey, a tax attorney who works with the United Way&rsquo;s VITA programs providing tax preparation assistance to those who need it, says that he&rsquo;s seen the federal credit change lives. He spoke of a grandmother raising her minor grandchildren who made just $20,500 annually. Her federal return of $10,990 increased her household budget by over 50%, enabling her to fix her car and continue working.<\/p>\n<p>While members of the Finance committee were generally supportive of the rationale behind an EITC, a few voiced concerns about spending money the state doesn&rsquo;t have. The credit would cost around $600 million and is not factored into the current budget proposal, which already exceeds the state&rsquo;s projected revenue.<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Mike Jones, R-York, suggested that a program like this which lowers taxes and puts money into the economy is a better investment than the comparable price tag the state pays to support state-related universities like Pitt, Penn State, and Temple.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Not only does this put more much needed money in the pocket of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/4-welfare-policies-that-hurt-the-people-they-claim-to-help\/\" title=\"4 Welfare Policies That Hurt The People They Claim To Help\">lower-income workers<\/a>, and again, these are people working, but it keeps them in the workforce,&rdquo; said Jones. &ldquo;If they stay in the workforce, we not only get the benefits of them paying taxes and spending that money, but it keeps them progressing in their career.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Kristen Rotz, president of United Way of Pennsylvania, says for every dollar invested in an EITC, there is $4 in economic growth and a $3 reduction in public service costs.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/3292730\/all-executive-orders-actions-trump-first-day\/\"><strong>LIST: THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ACTIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS TRUMP HAS MADE AS PRESIDENT<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Osborne said the credit would benefit the commonwealth by about $965 million annually as a result of increased income tax revenue, sales tax, employer taxes, and reduced reliance on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/stimulus-check-update-deadline-to-claim-montana-property-tax-rebate-worth-up-to-675-in-nine-days\/\" title=\"Montana property tax rebate worth up to 5 must be claimed within nine days.\">public assistance programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>According to the United Way, in Pennsylvania, about 41% of households are living with this kind of financial insecurity. Among them, 28% are ALICE while an additional 12% are living below the federal poverty line. ALICE thresholds vary locally based on cost of living.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_2021537\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"2021537\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pennsylvania considers adopting an Earned Income Tax Credit<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2407161,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/iStock-1309949931-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[51171,47013,5836,38341,32076],"class_list":["post-2407160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-earned-income-tax-credit","tag-financial-assistance","tag-pennsylvania","tag-tax-policy","tag-washington-examiner"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/iStock-1309949931-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2407160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2407160"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2407160\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2407164,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2407160\/revisions\/2407164"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2407161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2407160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2407160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2407160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}