Committee hears bill to expand state EITC to single filers without dependents
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Summary
SB 377 would raise income thresholds and expand Maryland's earned income tax credit for filers without qualifying children so more low-income workers can claim up to $600; advocates argued it is an effective anti-poverty tool and urged a favorable report.
Makai Polk, a graduate legislative fellow in the senator’s office, presented Senate Bill 377 to expand Maryland’s earned income tax credit (EITC) to increase eligibility for individuals without qualifying children by raising phase-out levels and increasing the state match.
"This tax credit seeks to address the issue of limited access to the EITC for lower income individuals without qualifying children," Polk said, arguing SB 377 would help more low-wage workers claim up to $600.
Tania Moore of the Cash Campaign of Maryland testified in support, saying many low-income single filers fall just over existing cutoffs and therefore receive no credit; Moore described clients who would benefit from incremental changes and noted the EITC’s positive local economic impacts. Callie Schumetz of the Maryland Center on Economic Policy urged a favorable report as well, saying Maryland already has one of the strongest EITCs and that expanding eligibility would put cash in workers’ pockets and boost local spending.
Committee members asked few questions during the presentation; sponsors acknowledged the bill’s cost implications and said they would work with members on fiscal details. No vote was recorded during the hearing.