Support state-level earned income tax credit (Georgia Work Credit) legislation to give an economic boost to low-income working families in Georgia

Georgia Watch supports a state-level earned income tax credit (Georgia Work Credit) legislation to give an economic boost to low-income working families in Georgia. Georgia is one of the few states that continue to levy an income tax on low-income families. Many states have used state EITC legislation to help working families move up the economic ladder into the middle-class and break the cycle of poverty. Providing a state-level work credit to low-income working Georgians would benefit Georgia families and our economy by putting more disposable income into the pockets of consumers, infusing dollars into local economies, and boosting business. We support the Georgia Work Credit that would boost the financial well-being of struggling Georgia families and communities during this difficult time.

Current Georgia Legislation:

Senator Elena Parent (D-42) introduced Senate Bill 118, the Georgia Work and Family Credit Act, to provide for a state EITC. The bill was read and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Past Georgia Legislation:

During the 2019-2020 legislative session, legislators introduced two bills that would create a state EITC in Georgia. Senator Elena Parent (D-42) introduced Senate Bill 41, and in the House, Representative Houston Gaines (R-117) introduced House Bill 588. Unfortunately, neither made it through Crossover Day.
During the 2021-2022 legislative session, Representative Houston Gaines (R-117) introduced House Bill 510 on February 17, 2021. HB 510 would have provided for a nonrefundable earned income tax credit. The bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee but did not make it through Crossover Day.

Why is a state EITC credit important?

Georgia is one of the few states that continue to levy an income tax on low-income families. Many states have used state EITC legislation to help working families move up the economic ladder into the middle-class and break the cycle of poverty. Providing a state-level work credit to low-income working Georgians would benefit Georgia families and our economy by putting more disposable income into the pockets of consumers, infusing dollars into local economies and boosting business.

Learn about Georgia Work Credit here