House Democrats celebrate conversation around EITC, push for passage

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus held a press conference at the State Capitol on Thursday morning to encourage Republicans to continue to focus on the restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Democrats have fought for the restoration of the EITC since before it was repealed, and it is currently a key priority of the Oklahoma Focused Agenda.

“Many members of our caucus, myself included, have filed legislation at one time or another to restore the refundability of the EITC,” said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman. “Now we are seeing it in Republican tax legislation. The EITC is our common ground, and it must be included in any conversation about tax policy.”

Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-OKC, and Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa, both have EITC legislation filed this session.

“This is about securing a win for Oklahoma’s workforce,” Dollens said. “Restoring the EITC is the easiest way to get money back into the pocket of Oklahoma workers.”

The EITC also contributes to economic development. An OK-Policy study showed that every dollar spent through the credit generates $1.58 in economic activity.

“Democrats have fought for the EITC because it is a smart policy that helps individuals and communities,” Nichols said. “Hardworking, low-income Oklahomans shoulder the burden of Oklahoma’s irresponsible tax policy. Now, Republicans have finally acknowledged the importance of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC and Oklahoma workers must be at the center of the conversation when we talk about tax policy in this building.”

To learn more about House Democratic Caucus economic priorities, visit oklahomafocused.com.