On today's episode, we revisit a key policy to help lift families out of poverty: the expansion of the Earned Income Credit and the creation of a Child Tax Credit. We're joined by State Senator Omar Aquino of the 2nd Senatorial District and Senate champion of this legislation. We talk about what this policy means for families and communities and what you can do to help.


Episode Resources

To easily let your state elected officials know that you support an expanded Earned Income Credit, visit our petition website. As Senator Aquino mentioned, you can learn more about the Cost of Living Refund Coalition and their work by visiting their website at www.economicsecurityil.org or by going to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Our prior episode on this topic was called: Money, Money, Money: Expanding the Earned Income Credit, and can be listened to here.

The Center for Tax Budget & Accountability recently released a report on the fiscal impact of an expanded Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit in Illinois. An executive summary can be viewed here, and the full report can be viewed at this link. 

Children’s Home & Aid recently moderated a panel discussion on why we need to expand the Earned Income Credit and create a Child Tax Credit in Illinois. You can view media coverage on the event here, and a full recording of the discussion is available on YouTube. 

In Chicago and want to join us for a rally in support of this proposal? We’ll be at Daley Plaza on Monday, March 21st at 10 AM. More details can be found here, and you can add the event directly to your calendar here. 

To learn more about Brightpoint, visit our website at http://www.brightpoint.org