U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) says working Americans deserve a direct boost, and that’s why she plans to introduce a bill that would expand access to refundable tax credits.
The LIFT (Livable Incomes for Families)-Plus Act would give up to $3000 in tax credits to individuals making less than $50,000 per year, while families making under $100,000 could get up to $6000. The refunds would be paid out monthly, or as a lump sum in advance.
Tlaib says that would help cushion households hit by unexpected expenses, and chip away at economic inequality. She called the legislation like “the earned income tax credit on steroids,” and said it will “broaden the umbrella” of who qualifies.
“We’ve seen it historically in the United States of America, these are the programs that have been successful in combating poverty,” Tlaib said. “These are the programs that have been very successful in making sure that our neighbors are taken care of.
“This is development of communities and neighborhoods. When they thrive, the economy does well.”
Tlaib announced the proposed legislation at a women and families roundtable discussion in Redford Township Thursday. It’s part of a series of community roundtables she’s holding with residents and activists in the 13th Congressional district, which Tlaib serves as a first-term representative.
Danielle Atkinson, head of the group Mothering Justice, was among the group of union, social service, and non-profit leaders who offered support for the bill, which Tlaib says she could introduce next in week.
“If we want to live in a prosperous place, we have to talk about people’s individual economies,” Atkinson said. “$3000 is so small, but it means so much when you are barely making ends meet.”
Tlaib’s bill is a companion to legislation already introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Kamala Harris (D-California).
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