November 23, 2011

REP. MUSHINSKY CELEBRATES NEW TAX CREDIT FOR WORKING FAMILIES

State Representative Mary Mushinsky celebrated Tuesday with advocates from across the state, including the governor and the Connecticut Association for Human Services, the implementation of Connecticut’s Earned Income Tax Credit (CT-EITC) for working families.

It is estimated that at least 200,000 working families will qualify for the credit across the state. Workers who earned under $48,000 who were raising children and single workers without children who earned less than $13,460 may qualify. The average CT-EITC payment will be approximately $540 and the maximum payment up to $1,700.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time for the more than 700 Wallingford families that are eligible,” Mushinsky said. “We have been working to get this credit included in the budget for the last few years, and finally, despite tough budget negotiations, we can bring some relief to our hard working families in the state.”

Mushinsky added, “I encourage workers to file their income tax early and ensure they inquire about CT-EITC. We have heard that many families miss the credit due to the lack of knowledge that it even exists. There will be several organizations readily available to help poor families with their income tax filing free of charge, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and many others.”

The CT-EITC is expected to put about $108 million into the hands of working families in need. Combined with the federal EITC, this means at least $500 million to help state residents.

Mary Mushinsky represents Wallingford’s 85th Assembly District. She is Assistant Majority Whip and Ranking Member of the Program Review & Investigations Committee. She also serves on the Select Committee on Children, Environment and Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committees.