More Money for Working Families: The Impact of Tax Credits
May 20 @ 12:00 pm EDT
Imagine an extra $1,000 for you and your children every year. What would you do with that money, and how would it impact your family’s life? One way the government provides additional funds directly to people is through tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These are dollar-for-dollar amounts taxpayers claim on their tax return to reduce the income tax they owe. The EITC helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break and the CTC helps families with qualifying children earn a tax break. Individuals may be able to claim these credits even if they don’t normally file a tax return, meaning they could receive thousands of dollars every year. These tax credits are a strategy for improving family economic stability and helping families move out of poverty.
Some states have begun offering state-level tax credits, which reduce the amount of state taxes an individual is required to pay. In February 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine included in his executive biennial state operating budget the creation of a $1,000 refundable child tax credit for families with children under the age of 6. If this policy is adopted, Ohio will become one of 16 states to offer a state child tax credit. There have also been several bills introduced in the Ohio General Assembly that would make the current state EITC partially or fully refundable, which would get more money back into the pockets of working families.
Panelists include:
- Aidan Davis, a state policy director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy in Washington, D.C. In that role, Aidan coordinates ITEP’s state tax policy research and advocacy agenda and works closely with national and state organizations, policymakers, and legislative staff to advance policy solutions that aim to achieve equitable and sustainable state and local tax systems.
- Marci Blue, a senior program officer at Enterprise Community Partners, which oversees the Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition. With expertise in program management, data analysis, and research, Marci is committed to connecting the community to resources that promote financial security for individuals and families.
- Danielle Sydnor, CEO of the Rise Together Innovation Institute, which is a capstone of a larger, Franklin County-funded strategic plan to help an estimated 400,000-plus county residents find paths toward economic stability. A licensed financial advisor who has worked in banking since 2002, Danielle continues to drive initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.
Join our panelists as they discuss the impact of tax credits on working families at the state and federal levels, current advocacy efforts to expand tax credits, where to get assistance with filing taxes, and how tax credits can help move families out of poverty and on a path toward self-sufficiency and economic prosperity.
Be part of the live conversation on May 20 at noon via Zoom. The event is free, but registration is required.
