JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL CALLS FOR PRESERVATION OF EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

Contact:  Beverly K. Phillips (248) 203-1527

Bloomfield Hills, February 16 – The Jewish Community Relations Council of Metropolitan Detroit (JCRC) has joined other public affairs organizations in defense of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, which has been targeted for reduction or elimination.   

“The Earned Income Tax Credit keeps low-income working people – and their children – from falling into poverty.  It encourages people living on the margins to rely more on themselves and less on government.  It is a hand up, not a hand out,” said Richard Nodel, JCRC president.   

In a statement released today, JCRC asserted that reducing or killing the Earned Income Tax Credit would raise the taxes of working poor people.  Doing that while eliminating taxes on many businesses would be unfair: Balancing the budget on the backs of those least able to afford it.  It would also hurt businesses – many of them small businesses in vulnerable neighborhoods – where recipients spend the additional money the tax credit provides.   

“Preserving the tax credit isn’t just good public policy.  It promotes a fundamental religious value that Jews and non-Jews share: Do not turn away from those in need,” Nodel added. 

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