Washington Lawmakers Take a Bold Leap for Working Families

On Tuesday the Washington State Legislature passed the Working Families Credit (WFC), modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and sent it to Governor Chris Gregoire for her signature. Qualifying families would claim a credit equal to 10% of their federal EITC. The EITC is a highly regarded program that has lifted thousands of families out of poverty. If the WFC becomes law, Washington would join 22 states and the District of Columbia in implementing similar programs. Washington would also be the first state that doesn't have an income tax to offer the credit. Even in states that do have income taxes, it's the sales taxes and property taxes that are really a burden for the poorest families, and the EITC can counter the regressive effects of those taxes. For more on this groundbreaking credit check out this policy brief from the Washington Budget and Policy Center.