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Kildee Announces Federal Grant to Support Working Families in Mid-Michigan

October 2, 2020

Local Investment Will Promote Earned Income Tax Credit for Eligible Families

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced a $436,021 federal grant to the Greater Flint Health Coalition (GFHC) to promote and help families understand their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The federal grant is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The EITC is a benefit for working people with low- to moderate- incomes. The EITC is a refundable tax credit that helps eligible workers and families increase their income and reduce financial stress. To be eligible for the EITC, you must have a job and be working. In Michigan, 743,000 people claimed the EITC in 2019, with an average nationwide income boost of $2,476.

"Tax credits for working people, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, help to incentivize work and help Michigan families have more financial security. Tax credits like EITC provide greater economic security that lead to better health outcomes, lower rates of poverty, and less financial stress," Congressman Kildee said. "I am proud to announce this federal grant for the Greater Flint Health Coalition so they can continue to provide support to mid-Michigan families."

"It is well documented that the effects of poverty and financial stress can have a tremendous impact on the long-term health of children and families. This program will provide opportunities to increase household income for low-income, working families in Flint and Genesee County while taking important steps to decrease risk factors for adverse childhood experiences over the next three years," said Kirk Smith, Greater Flint Health Coalition CEO. "We are thankful for Congressman Kildee's advocacy and the support from the Office of Minority Health to allow our multi-sector coalition of partners to aid residents to increase income, reduce stress factors, and improve health outcomes through this innovative project."

This federal grant builds upon Congressman Kildee's continued efforts to expand access to economic opportunities and improve health outcomes for underserved Mid-Michigan families. Congressman Kildee's legislation, The Working Families Tax Relief Act, reduces taxes for working families by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). The Heroes Act, passed by the House in May 2020, included Kildee's efforts to expand both the EITC and CTC. Recently, Kildee announced a $1.7 million federal grant to help promote access to quality, affordable health care for medically underserved communities amid the coronavirus pandemic.