Economic Progress Institute: Enhancing the Economic Security of Low-Income Working Rhode Islanders by Increasing the State’s Earned Income Tax Credit Refund
ITEP Work in ActionThe Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) is widely recognized as an effective, short-term tool for lifting low-income working families out of poverty by encouraging work and supplementing low wages. Rhode Island should enhance the effectiveness of its state EITC by increasing the refund available to low-wage workers. This would put money in the pockets of low-income working households that could help provide for basic needs, pay for extra expenses such as a security deposit or car repair, and build assets for the future.