WHEREAS,  in order to promote the federal and Maine state earned income tax credit, which enhances family household budgets, we recognize January 29, 2016 as EITC Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS,  twenty percent of people eligible for the credit fail to claim the credit, which demonstrates the importance of raising awareness of this credit and urging individuals to find out if they qualify for it; and

WHEREAS,  since 2003, CA$H Maine has educated hard-working families and individuals about programs in the community that can increase their income, reduce their debt and build their savings; and

WHEREAS,  throughout the State, IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who are members of CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide, a collaboration of 10 statewide coalitions including 50 nonprofit and for-profit partners, provide free federal and state tax preparation; and

WHEREAS,  in 2015, these volunteers helped Maine residents save more than $3,600,000 in tax filing fees and claim over $5,680,000 in earned income tax credits, returning $21,600,000 to Maine residents in federal income tax refunds; now, therefore, be it