WHEREAS, in order to promote the federal and Maine state earned income tax credit, which enhances family household budgets, we recognize January 27, 2017 as EITC Awareness Day; and
WHEREAS, 4 of 5 people eligible for the credit claim it, which demonstrates the importance of raising awareness of this credit and urging individuals to find out if they qualify for it; and
WHEREAS, throughout the State, IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who are members of CA$H Maine and AARP Tax-Aide, a collaboration of 10 statewide coalitions including 50 nonprofit and for-profit partners, provide free federal and state tax preparation; and
WHEREAS, since 2003, CA$H Maine has also educated hard-working families and individuals about programs in the community that can increase their income, reduce debt and build savings; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, these volunteers helped Maine residents save more than $3,500,000 in tax filing fees and claim over $5,200,000 in earned income tax credits, returning over $21,200,000 to Maine residents in federal income tax refunds; now, therefore, be it