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That January 31, 2020, is proclaimed to be Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Day.
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WHEREAS Community Action Agencies and other community based organizations are dedicated to the proposition that the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty can and must be eliminated; and
WHEREAS in 1975, Congress and the President created the Earned Income Tax Credit to encourage work, to be responsive to the economic challenges low wage workers face, and to address poverty and inequality; and
WHEREAS in 2018, the Governor and the Legislature in Massachusetts doubled the state EITC from its 2014 level, helping thousands of working individuals and families, who drive the Massachusetts economy, to enjoy its benefits; and
WHEREAS there is a consistent, long-standing, and diverse consensus that the EITC is one of the most impactful tools we have in fighting poverty; and
WHEREAS Congress and the President created the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in 1969 which resulted in the development of a network of volunteer driven free tax preparation sites across the country to provide low income tax payers with access to the EITC and other tax credits; and
WHEREAS VITA sites, which are supported by a limited public investment, are among the most cost effective economic support programs, and that by bringing volunteers together with low income tax payers, serve as engines of community engagement; and
WHEREAS the network of more than 80 VITA sites, which bring over $60 million in EITC and other tax credit resources to more than 30,000 low income tax payers, represents a powerful holistic platform for prosperity through critical links to support services including financial capability programs, Head Start, Fuel Assistance, Food Stamps, Job Training, and more; and
WHEREAS VITA is celebrating 50 years of continuous service to low- and moderate- income American taxpayers; NOW THEREFOR BE IT
RESOLVED The City of Somerville hereby proclaims January 31, 2020, to be Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Day; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED That all of the citizens of the City of Somerville are hereby urged to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.