July 30, 2007
Looking for a Little "Extra Credit" for Low-Income Coloradans
Castle Rock, CO - Colorado has a state earned income tax credit on the books, but because of conflicts with TABOR laws, that little bit of extra help isn't making it to low-income families. A campaign is crisscrossing the state to gather stories from low-income Coloradans and discuss solutions like the EITC. Comments from Jessie Ulibarri (YOU-luh-berry) with the Colorado Progressive Coalition and Jennifer Eby (E-bee) from the Douglas County Community Services Division.
Suggested Script: Colorado has a state earned income tax credit on the books to help low-income families -- but due to conflicts with TABOR laws, it isn't making it to Coloradans that could use the extra financial boost. Jessie Ulibarri (you-LUH-berry) is with the Colorado Progressive Coalition, which wants to make the credit permanent and double the amount families can receive.
Actuality Cut 34777 (:13) "It can mean putting clothes on the backs of their kids, it can mean fixing a car, it can mean putting food on the table, literally. For lots of folks, a $400 tax credit could be a huge windfall for them."
Jennifer Eby (E-bee) with the Douglas County Community Services Division says low-income families are living paycheck to paycheck across the state -- even in places like her county, which has an affluent reputation.
Actuality Cut 35777 (:12) "Twelve percent of the Douglas County population is having difficulty in actually making a living wage or making a wage where they can be self-sufficient for their family."
Suggested Tag: The "Paycheck Away" tour stops in Castle Rock tonight to hear from low-income families and discuss possible solutions to the problems they face -- including the state E-I-T-C. Future stops on the tour include Durango, Thornton, Lamar and Fort Collins.
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Alternate Short Script: State law says Colorado's low income families are entitled to a state earned income tax credit each year, but TABOR laws have prevented it from being distributed. Jessie Ulibarri with the Colorado Progressive Coalition says the credit isn't the same as a free handout.
Actuality Cut 36777 (:08) "We're allowing folks to take control of their own lives, and have control of their money to pay their bills, to put food on the table to put clothes on their children's backs.."
Suggested Tag: His group is pushing to make the credit permanent and double the amount families can receive. A meeting is set for tonight in Castle Rock to discuss the E-I-T-C and other ways to help Coloradans living paycheck to paycheck.
OPTIONAL REPORTER WRAP - uses first soundbite:
LEAD: State law says Colorado's low income families are entitled to a state earned income tax credit each year, but TABOR laws have prevented it from being distributed. Eric Mack has more on an effort to change that...
Actuality Cut 37777 TRT:25 Q "... paycheck."
Editor's Note: Ulibarri is at 303.866.0908. Eby is at (303) 660-7460.
Tonight's meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the commissioner's building, 100 3rd St. |
