SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 59

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Friday, January 30, 2009, as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day in Texas; and

WHEREAS, The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable federal income tax credit available to low-income and moderate-income working individuals and families; the funds increase the income of millions of Texans and add billions of dollars to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, Eligible workers in Texas fail to claim close to $1 billion each year because they are unaware of the program and do not have access to free tax preparation assistance; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Office of the Attorney General, the Texas Workforce Commission, and other state agencies and community organizations work to inform the public about the value of the Earned Income Tax Credit and about how to obtain tax filing help; and

WHEREAS, The current economic circumstances make it even more essential that we reach out to those who may be eligible for this important tax credit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize January 30, 2009, as Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day and encourage all Texans to find out about their eligibility for the federal program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared to commemorate Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.

Van de Putte

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate