While the recent rise in poverty may be attributed to poor economic growth policies during the Obama Administration, the sustained high rates of poverty over the past 50 years are striking evidence that it is time for new approaches to support economic success.

This past weekend, my staff and I went to Bakersfield and spent an afternoon helping folks prepare their income tax forms. I was there with the CalEITC4Me bus tour, which was stopping in Bakersfield before heading on to other Central Valley cities.

Besides providing additional income, the EITC provides a financial incentive for workers to stay employed and increase their earnings. According to recent studies, EITC provides significant work, income, educational and health benefits to its recipients and their children.

As state legislative sessions begin, policymakers can help keep people working, increase incomes, reduce financial hardship, and build an economy that works for everyone by following the 26 states and the District of Columbia that have created state Earned Income Tax Credits.