HELPING WORKING FAMILIES

The Earned Income Tax Credit Program makes low-income taxpayers eligible for state and federal income tax refunds. Unfortunately, many qualified Illinois residents do not apply for it. The Center for Economic Progress started the Tax Counseling Project to help Illinois residents reduce the complexity of the tax process, and take advantage of this program. In 2006 alone, the EITC project helped 336 rural residents obtain $417,178 in federal tax refunds.

In partnership with churches, Community Action Agencies, and food banks, the GRAC has sponsored the Illinois Souper Bowl of Caring, which uses Super Bowl Sunday to collect food and raise money for the nation’s food banks. In 2006, GRAC efforts helped to organize 511 groups in Illinois and collect $229,320.