Lawmakers in several states this spring put a college education within reach for students who are undocumented, boosting opportunity for striving young people and helping strengthen their economies over the long term. These actions show that even at a time of turmoil for federal immigration policy, states can take an inclusive approach that will benefit all residents.
For example, in...
Maryland lawmakers this month passed, and Governor Larry Hogan is expected to support, legislation to expand the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to an estimated 40,000 more low-income Marylanders by lowering the eligibility age for workers not raising children in their home from 25 to 18. That will help many young workers who are just entering the workforce and supporting themselves on very low wages.
To accompany our series of charts on federal tax issues, these charts put state taxes — and the services they support — into context.
State taxes help lay the foundation for economic opportunity and broad prosperity for families, businesses, and communities by...
Today is Equal Pay Day, when we recognize the persistent gap in earnings between women and men. It’s also an opportunity to think about things that states can do — such as adopting or increasing state earned income tax credits (EITCs), raising minimum wages, and investing in child care and paid leave — to buoy low-paid women who support themselves and their families.
Looking at full-...
There’s growing momentum in the states to adopt and expand state-level earned income tax credits (EITCs). In 2017, Hawaii, Montana, and South Carolina each created a new EITC, and California, Illinois, and Minnesota expanded their existing credits, as we’ve highlighted in a...
Everyone in America — regardless of where they were born, the state where they live, the color of their skin, or the size of their bank account — should have the opportunity to achieve their goals. But ensuring broad opportunity and prosperity won’t happen by chance. Smart state fiscal policies play a critical role.
Our four-point...
The economy has fueled income gains across the states, yet Congress is considering proposals that would undermine them. As we reported Tuesday, incomes rose nationally more from 2014 to 2016 than in any other two-year period in five decades. Now, according to...
Kansas’ legislature overrode Governor Brownback’s veto last week and nearly fully undid the massive income tax cuts that it enacted five years ago. A Republican-run legislature overruling a Republican governor over the wisdom of big tax cuts has garnered widespread attention. In other...
To accompany our series of federal tax charts, here are six charts putting state taxes — and the services they support — into context.
States provide many services that help form the foundation for thriving and healthy families, businesses, and communities and are essential for the nation’s long-term economic...
State legislative sessions are starting amid great uncertainty about potential changes in federal policies that could leave millions of struggling families with less support to meet basic needs like food, housing, and health care. So state policymakers should bolster state services for these families. States can help people keep working, boost incomes, reduce financial hardship, and help build...
