Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C,I,Ref-Medford) voiced his support for Assembly Bill 4177, which would increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 30 percent to 45 percent. The bill, sponsored by Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), was blocked by the Assembly Majority on Monday, April 29.

A report funded in part by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance found that expanding the EITC to 45 percent would reduce poverty by 68,000 to 98,000 people, and increase employment of single mothers by more than 21,000.

“The studies support and prove that this bill would provide needed relief to too many families that are on or below the poverty line. Poverty rates are climbing and many are financially struggling to stay in New York. This bill would be a sensible solution,” said DeStefano. “It’s time Assembly Majority puts their heads on straight and looks at the hard evidence.”