The Bell Policy Center

Jones testifies in favor of earned income, child tax credits

Rich Jones, the Bell's director of research and policy, testified Wednesday in favor of Senate Bill 1, which would create a permanent state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and make them available for low- and moderate-income families.

Colorado has had a state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, but they are available only when there is a TABOR surplus. Because of that limitation, neither tax credit has been available since 2001. Under SB 1, both credits would be made permanent.

Working Families Opportunity Act good for families, kids

On the first day of this year's legislative session, Senators John Morse and John Kefalas introduced the Working Families Opportunity Act as Senate Bill 1. That first-bill status reflects the importance that lawmakers place in helping low- and moderate-income families still struggling as we emerge from the Great Recession.