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Committee hears expansion request for tax‑preparation grants to connect low‑income Oregonians with refundable credits
Summary
Witnesses including local VITA sites, community organizations and agency staff urged the committee to fund an expanded tax infrastructure grant program (House Bill 2991) to increase free tax preparation capacity statewide and help low‑income families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and other refunds.
Supporters of House Bill 2991 told the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services on Feb. 20 that expanding the state’s tax‑infrastructure grants would bring federal and state refunds to low‑income Oregonians, improve family finances and stimulate local economies.
Lisa Reynolds, a pediatrician and state representative, said many low‑income families never file taxes and miss valuable credits. “Nothing we put in the tax code matters if folks don't file their taxes or cannot file their taxes,” Reynolds said in opening testimony supporting increased grant funding for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and other free filing services.
Riley…
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