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A much deserved windfall is on its way to many low- and moderate-income California workers. For those who file state taxes and claim their benefit in 2017, the state is offering an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that, combined with what is available through the federal government, could provide up to a $6,000 rebate to families who meet specific qualifications.Research has shown that the cash benefit from the EITC has been one of the single greatest contributors to move people and families out of poverty and to improve their financial security. Unlike other programs to assist low- and moderate- income families, this benefit applies only to those who are working but still remain in financial difficulty.  For many of us, $6,000 could ease our financial challenges and it could make the difference between a family keeping a roof over its head or becoming homeless.In 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown and the legislature created California’s EITC program, CalEITC, as a way to help qualified working, low-income families. This cash-back credit is intended to complement a similar federal EITC that has existed since enactment by President Gerald Ford in 1975. In order to benefit from the state credit, eligible families need to claim it when they file their state tax returns.According to the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), the state agency that administers CalEITC, one out of five eligible workers does not claim the EITC on their state income tax return. On average, a qualified family that did not participate in 2016 lost $2,409 from the state and federal governments.The specific amount of cash-back credits for qualified working individuals and families depends on income and family size. Californians with an income of up to $53,505 annually may be able to receive cash-back by claiming the federal EITC on their tax return. Additionally, California families that earn up to $14,161 annually may be able to utilize the CalEITC to supplement the federal EITC when a state tax return is filed.If you meet the criteria, you must file federal and state income tax returns to claim the credits, even if you do not owe taxes or are not required to file a return.For more information, visit CSD’s website, www.csd.ca.gov/.  During this tax season, I encourage you to find out if you are eligible to receive the benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Monning represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all of San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties, and portions of Monterey and Santa Clara counties.

The month of April has been designated as National Donate Life Month to encourage Americans to register as organ donors, educate our communities about the need for organ donations and celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.The need for organ, eye or tissue donors is ongoing and can potentially save someone’s life.  Unfortunately, while 95 percent of Americans have no issue with registering to be a donor, only 54 percent are actually registered to donate their organs. The gap between those willing to donate and those who are registered donors contributes to the 115,000-person waiting list for organs. Every day, 22 people die waiting on the list.Organ donation after death brings comfort and hope to families by turning a tragedy into renewed life. In 2016 alone, 33,600 patients were given the gift of life by transplants from willing donors.  Signing up to be an organ donor is as easy as marking a “Yes” box at the DMV when getting or renewing your driver’s license or ID card. You can also sign up online at donatelife.net/register/.   People of any age, background, or medical history can become donors after death, and there is absolutely no cost to donors or their families. The process to establish whether your remains are eligible for donations is thorough and done independently from the transplant process.  Also, becoming a donor does not impede or change funeral arrangements. Additionally, in some instances, you can even become a living donor and donate a portion of your liver, lung, pancreas or a kidney.This April, please reflect on the lives of those touched by donation and transplantation, and  join me as you register to become an organ donor. Learn more about National Donate Life month at donatelife.net or donatelifecalifornia.org/.  Sen. Bill Monning represents the 17th State Senate District, which includes all of San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties, and portions of Monterey and Santa Clara counties.   

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in teaching about faith, stated “The God whom we worship, is not a weak or incompetent God. He is able to beat back gigantic waves of opposition, and bring to low, prodigious mountains of evil. The ringing testimony of...