Celebrating 50 Years of the Earned Income Tax Credit

Feb 10

On January 31st, we had the privilege of gathering at Oakdale Park Church with community leaders, agency partners, and our dedicated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This special occasion honored the legacy of a tax policy that has made a profound impact on millions of hardworking families and individuals across the country.

We were also especially grateful to have Congresswoman Hillary Scholten join us in recognizing this significant milestone. In a tweet, she posted

“Since West Michigan’s own President Ford signed the Earned Income Tax Credit into law 50 years ago, it’s helped millions of families rise above the poverty line. I was honored to celebrate its anniversary w/ United Way—let’s get into how the EITC keeps delivering for Americans."

Fifty years ago, President Gerald Ford signed into law the EITC, a groundbreaking tax credit designed to support hardworking families earning low wages. Later expanded under President Ronald Reagan, the EITC has since become one of the most effective anti-poverty measures in the United States. Over the past five decades, it has lifted millions of families out of poverty, and this milestone presented a unique opportunity to reflect on the EITC's impact.

At the heart of this celebration was our ongoing commitment to ensuring individuals and families receive the EITC and other earned tax credits through our VITA program. VITA volunteers play a crucial role in providing free tax preparation assistance to eligible taxpayers, helping them claim the credits they’ve earned and maximize their refunds. Their dedication ensures that financial relief reaches those who need it most, reinforcing our mission to build stronger, more resilient communities.

After Doug Plantenga, the site coordinator of the VITA site at Oakdale Park Church, demonstrated how volunteers complete a tax return, we heard the story of Rebecca who was truly impacted by this credit and the work of United Way. Rebecca welcomed a baby girl four years ago, and despite being a dual-income household, they still struggled to make ends meet.

"Half my paycheck goes to childcare, we have more expenses, and everything has become more expensive over the past several years. This leaves very little to cover additional expenses. Luckily, we still qualify for the EITC, which continues to provide us with some relief and a safety net."

This story just like many others showcases that the EITC is not just a policy, but it is a lifeline for working families striving for a better future.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsor CEDAM, whose commitment to economic empowerment and financial stability continues to drive our work forward. As we reflect on the past 50 years of the EITC, we also look ahead to new opportunities to expand access and awareness, ensuring that every eligible worker and family benefits from this vital credit.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone. Here’s to 50 years of impact—and many more to come!