MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Minimum Wage & EITC
Choices we make today will impact our future.
Today unemployment may be down, but the wage gap is extreme.
Wages for low-wage workers (10th percentile) have been stagnant while for high wage workers (90th percentile) grew notably (+46%) over the past 30 or so years. In MA, income growth for the top 1% has more than tripled while remaining stagnant for those at lower incomes.
2 positive steps toward equal opportunity:
MA will increase the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 30% of the federal tax credit in the FY19 budget. This will mean a significant increase in tax credit for those eligible (from approximately $1,500 to $2,000).
MA will increase the minimum wage from $11 to $15 over the next five years. The bill also includes provisions to establish a paid family and medical leave program.
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