The Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and our 1100 members statewide, support Senate Bill 166, Income Tax- Earned Income Credit. The bill also alters the calculation of the county refundable earned income credit, if the county has a refundable earned income credit. Maryland is a wealthy state, ranking 2 nd in the nation in median income for families with children.
Poverty affects every indicator of child well being.
Pediatricians know that the best medical attention is not enough for the child who goes without food, or lives in substandard housing. Senate Bill 166 offers us an opportunity to reduce poverty for working families and their children, and to make work pay. It allows parents to provide additional necessities for their children. We urge a favorable report on Senate Bill 166.