FROM THE DESK OF THE COMPTROLLER

TAX BOOST FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME WORKERS

The Earned Income Tax Credit is our most critical anti-poverty weapon. It's a tax benefit for people with incomes ranging from about $12,000 to $38,000 depending on the number of children in the family. Its intent is to support and encourage workers by not over-burdening them with income taxes.

A new initiative by Del. Sheila Hixson would extend this program, which I strongly support.

You'd think there would be a contradiction in a tax collector advocating a tax credit. But this is a program that encourages people to work, to follow a career dream and allows them to work up the economic ladder. Economic betterment of workers contributes to the future fiscal stability of the state. It rewards the work ethic.

A young single mother who attended our press conference to announce support for this program and who is a beneficiary said that without the credit she did not know how she could make it.

The biggest problem is getting the word out to those who qualify. So many who are eligible don't file and get the money due to them. I congratulate the Maryland CASH Campaign and its partners for their efforts to educate and inform people. I'm honored to do my small part in promoting this valuable program.