Whereas, The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a proven anti-poverty tool and method for raising the household income of low-income working families; and, 

Whereas, Depending on a person's income and number of dependents, the federal EITC can reach a maximum of $2,700 for families with one child and $4,700 for families with two or more children; and,

Whereas, Qualifying taxpayers can often receive an EITC even if they owe no taxes and, for a low-income family, it can make the difference between living below the poverty threshold or living above that threshold; and,

Whereas, Overall tax returns claiming the EITC increased from 2005 to 2006, with the number of EITC claims generated at free tax preparation sites nearly doubling from 3,580 to 7,082, and the average EITC refund increasing from $850 to $1,057; and,

Whereas, The Michigan EITC Initiative has developed and strengthened state and local partnerships dedicated to the mission of supporting work and reducing poverty for qualifying individuals and families; and, 

Whereas, The EITC Initiative serves Michigan's working poor and has established Michigan's EITC Web site, expanded free and simplified tax preparation services, and helped increase the number of eligible taxpayers receiving EITC refunds; and,

Whereas, The EITC Initiative was among finalists for the Innovations in American Government Award; and now therefore be it,  

Resolved, That, I, Jennifer Granholm of the State of Michigan, do hereby declare February 1, 2007, as EITC Day in Michigan.