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OACAA Applauds Gov. Kasich and the Senate Finance Committee for their Proposed Expansion of the EITC
Columbus -  The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies supports Gov. John Kasich and the members of the Senate Finance Committee for their efforts to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in HB 483.   

"We are thankful to the Senate Finance Committee for their efforts to pass Gov. Kasich's proposal to an increase the EITC, and for Gov. Kasich's leadership on this issue. We appreciate their understanding that despite having jobs, many low-income Ohioans struggle to make ends meet. With the costs of housing, transportation, food and medical care continually rising, people in lower paying jobs need to be able to hold onto the wages they earn," said Philip E. Cole executive director of OACAA. "The EITC program does this and the proposed expansion will have a profound effect for many hard working Ohioans."

The expansion, as proposed would increase Ohio's Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income Ohioans by raising its benefit from 5 to 10 percent of the federal credit. "For low-income people the difference between $100 and $200 can mean needed clothes, furniture or medical care," Cole said.

"We commend the Governor and the Senate Finance Committee for proposing expansion of the EITC and urge the general assembly to see the merits and pass the expansion for the benefit of low-income Ohioans and to strengthen Ohio's economy," concluded Cole.

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About OACAA
Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Community Action Agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in their communities. The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies represents 50 agencies around the state serving the needs of low-income people in all of Ohio's 88 counties. CAAs provide education and training, emergency services, and other assistance programs to over 800,000 Ohioans annually.