Favorable
Committee: Health and Government Operations
HB 1304
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) offers this testimony in support of House Bill 1304. The Catholic Conference is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals, and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
House Bill 1304 would require the Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Human Services to provide information on the state’s earned income tax credit (EITC) to those individuals enrolled or participating in certain programs or services administered by the departments. This legislation is an important step towards empowering low-income families and individuals to access financial resources that help lift them out of poverty.
The dignity of the human person is central to our Catholic social teaching, and every individual deserves the opportunity to live a life of dignity and fulfillment. However, many low-income families and individuals struggle to make ends meet, facing financial insecurity and barriers to economic opportunity. The earned income tax credit is a vital tool for addressing these challenges, providing much-needed financial assistance to working families and individuals while promoting employment and economic mobility.
By requiring the Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Human Services to provide information on the EITC to individuals enrolled or participating in certain programs or services, this legislation ensures that those who are most in need of support are aware of the resources available to them. Access to information is key to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their financial well-being and to access the benefits and assistance for which they are eligible.
By ensuring that low-income families and individuals have access to the EITC, we not only alleviate poverty and promote economic security but also strengthen the fabric of our communities and promote human flourishing for all.
The MCC appreciates your consideration and, for these reasons, respectfully requests a favorable report on House Bill 1304.