Representative Perone Testifies In Favor Of State Earned Income Tax Credit, Bill Voted Out Of Committee
State Rep. Chris Perone
February 21, 2008

This morning State Rep. Chris Perone (D-Norwalk) testified in front of the Human Services Committee in favor of House Bill 163, An Act Concerning A State Earned Income Tax Credit. The proposed legislation, which passed through the committee by a 13-5 vote (with one absence), would create a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), was submitted earlier this year and has broad bi-partisan support.

"I strongly believe that a state EITC can make a huge difference for hard-working families," Rep. Perone said during his testimony. "Low-wage workers, many of whom work several jobs, struggle to make ends meet. Like everyone else, they must provide housing, heat, health care, clothing, and food for their families. The funds they receive from a Connecticut EITC would stimulate our local economies, as tax filers pulp the refund back into their communities. Additionally, families could use the state EITC to pay off debt, finance transportation to work, invest in education, buy basic necessities, pay for health care, or save to build assets."

A longtime supporter of the EITC, Rep. Perone appeared in a press conference earlier this month to support the legislation. Within Norwalk's 137th district, 920 families would directly benefit from the creation of a state EITC. Though the district already receives $1.35 million in federal EITC funds, the addition of a state program would provide over an additional $200,000 to families.

"By enacting a state EITC we are recognizing the plight of our most vulnerable citizens, while making a sound policy investment in our communities," said Rep. Perone this morning. "At a time when we are seeing unprecedented increases in the cost of health care, energy, property taxes, etc, the state should be taking proactive measures to alleviate these burdens. This legislation is just one of the measures, that if put in place in Connecticut, would provide much needed relief."

During his testimony Rep. Perone also stressed the importance of the EITC on small businesses in the area. With studies showing that nearly 70 percent of the tax credit being spent in local communities, the money can be used to create jobs and help boost area businesses.

The bill will now go to the Finance Committee, where Rep. Perone serves as the Vice Chair.

"I look forward to working with the co-chairs of the Finance Committee, Sen. Eileen Daily (D-Westbrook) and Rep. Cameron Staples (D-New Haven), to help move this bill out," Rep. Perone said. "It's about time we offered the hard-working people of this state real, tangible relief and I believe the EITC does just that."

Rep. Christopher Perone is serving his second term representing the 137th Assembly District of Norwalk. He is Vice Chair of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, and is a member of the Education and Transportation Committees.

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