Oregon Public Broadcasting

Just weeks after Oregon voters approved a tax hike on the wealthy, some lawmakers and social service groups Friday pushed a plan to effectively lower taxes paid by the working poor. Chris Lehman reports.

Last month Oregon voters approved Measure 66, which increases taxes on the state's wealthiest two percent.

Now, the state's poorest families could be in line for a small tax break if lawmakers approve a bill currently under consideration.

The measure would increase the amount of the stateís Earned Income Tax Credit.

That's an income tax break typically claimed by households at or near the poverty line. Supporters say increasing the credit would cost the state $33 million.

The tab comes due starting in the next budget cycle.

Patti Whitney-Wise of the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force says itís a worthwhile investment.

Patti Whitney-Wise: "It is a chunk of money. But these are families who we want to make sure are stable and move up the ladder in their working career so they are being more successful."

Whitney-Wise admits the tax cut is something of a long shot during the short February session. It received a hearing but is not currently scheduled for a vote.

On the Web:

Oregon Senate Bill 1044