Congressman joins with progressives in call for tax reform to benefit working families
NJTV
September 4, 2019
Agreement over tax policies has been elusive between New Jersey’s Democratic leaders and the state’s progressives, but the two sides came together Wednesday on a subject that has enjoyed decades of bipartisan, statewide support: expanding the federal earned income tax credit, or EITC.
At his Cherry Hill office, Rep. Donald Norcross called on New Jersey’s congressional delegation to join him in sponsoring what he termed “pro-worker legislation.”
“What is this about? Leveling the playing field, encouraging people to work,” he said. “That if you work, you can make it in this country, and that’s the narrative we have to change.”
He was joined by Brandon McKoy, president of progressive think tank New Jersey Policy Perspective.
“The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most successful policies at helping people rise out of poverty in the history of this country,” he said.
The Working Families Tax Relief Act would increase both the EITC and the child tax credit, two tax programs designed to benefit working families. Specifically, the measure would expand eligibility to those between the ages of 19 and 68, up from its current age limits of 25 and 65. Working families with children would be eligible for an increase in their benefit of as much as 25. Those without children would see a boost, too.