Favorable
Committee: Ways & Means
HB 0608
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) offers testimony in support of House Bill 608. 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.
HB 608 increases the maximum income limit to be able to claim the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to $27,000 for single filers, which is slightly less than 200% of the federal poverty line for a single adult.
The EITC has proven to be an effective means of lifting working families out of poverty, providing them with the financial support they need to meet basic needs and fostering economic stability. However, as it currently stands, the credit’s impact is limited for individuals without qualifying children due to the low-income thresholds at which the credit begins to phase out.
Catholic social teaching calls us to prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our society. Expanding the eligibility for the EITC for childless individuals aligns with this moral imperative, as it recognizes the dignity of every person and acknowledges the challenges faced by those who may not have dependents but still struggle to make ends meet.
The proposed adjustments to the income thresholds would extend the benefits of the EITC to a wider range of individuals, offering much-needed relief to those who often work in low-wage jobs and may be on the margins of poverty. This legislation reflects a commitment to promoting economic justice and ensuring that our tax policies contribute to the common good.
The MCC appreciates your consideration and, for these reasons, respectfully requests a favorable report on House Bill 608.