Senate Leadership
February 1, 2007
Looney Champions State Earned Income Tax Credit
Says EITC furthers independence, hard work, self-determination
State Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) today led state officials and nearly 60 organizations in Connecticut in calling for a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to bring relief to low-income, working families struggling to make ends meet.
Hailed by advocates as "the champion of the EITC effort in Connecticut," Sen. Looney pledged to work in a bipartisan manner to bring the tax credit to Connecticut, the only state in the region without one. "Hard work, independence and self-determination are the core values we support. This tax credit targets relief to low-income families struggling with the high costs of energy, transportation, clothing and other everyday needs."
The EITC is a tax break for people who work but do not earn high incomes. Sen. Looney dismissed the notion that those who qualify for the EITC do not pay taxes. "Low-income, working folks pay many taxes, including a disproportionate amount of their income on sales taxes."
Added Sen. Looney, "Economic self-sufficiency should be a goal for our state both because it is good for these citizens and because it is good for Connecticut. These low-income workers truly need more assistance than their higher-paid colleagues, but unlike all of our neighboring states, we currently do not offer them this help which would allow them to approach a better standard of living."
Sen. Looney was joined today by state Treasurer Denise Nappier, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez, a host of state legislators as well as representatives from dozens of statewide organizations.
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Senator Williams’ Larry Cook |
Listing of Leadership’s recent press releases. |
Senator Looney’s Larry Cook |
