If New Jersey joined other states in adopting federal EITC income eligibility cutoff limits the amount of money involved would not be great. 5 million in a budget anticipating a considerable surplus-a relatively small price tag for spreading important benefits to another 165,000 recipients. New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit program should have the same eligibility standards as the federal EITC . We need it and we can afford it. Avoid confusion as to who was eligible for which program.
Reward work at a level commensurate with the federal program and other state EITCs.
New Jersey is the nation's second most affluent state. But that status masks a wide difference between a relatively small number of people who are doing fabulously and everyone else - especially the working poor. Phasing in the benefits more rapidly, possibly over two years instead of four . This is the time and place for displaying a high level of generosity. It is the time because New Jersey's economy is booming and the state budget anticipates significant surplus revenue.