Spring 21 Newsletter – Golden State Opportunity

Watch: Spring Greetings from GSO’s President Amy Everitt

California Comeback Plan Proposal

Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $100 billion California Comeback Plan that, if passed, would send another $600 stimulus payment to individuals and families who earned up to $75,000 in 2020 and an additional $500 to families with dependents. Governor Newsom also called for $5 billion to help Californians pay for rent and utility bills because he knows people are struggling. Join GSO in calling on the state legislature to build on the proposal and send struggling workers and families more support, especially for those who have been left out.

Golden State Stimulus Puts More Cash in People’s Pockets

Did you know that people who are eligible for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) likely qualify for the Golden State Stimulus? California is supporting low-income residents with a one-time payment of $600 to taxpayers who qualify for the CalEITC during the 2020 tax year.

American Rescue Plan Demonstrates Poverty is a Policy Choice

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) included many groundbreaking provisions for working families. In addition to $1,400 per-person stimulus checks, the plan also expanded the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) to $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under age 6. The ARP eased income requirements for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), extended food assistance benefits, and extended eligibility for pandemic unemployment insurance.

Tax Deadline Extended to May 17

In March, the IRS announced that it would extend tax season through May 17 to give people impacted by the pandemic more time to file their 2020 taxes. This deadline extension gave CalEITC4Me and our community partners an extra month to spread the word about new tax credits and provide more people with free tax prep services. However, our work doesn’t stop on May 17! We’ll keep pushing to get even more people to claim the CalEITC before the final deadline on October 15.

GSO Partners with Elected Officials to Share Tax Tips with Californians

This tax season, GSO partnered with elected officials across the state on webinars to spread the word about the CalEITC, the Golden State Stimulus and other tax benefits available to their constituents. Our webinars featured state legislators including Senator Bob Wieckowski, Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, and Assemblymembers Autumn Burke, Lisa Calderon, Alex Lee, and James Ramos. Local leaders included San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

Empowering Californians at Tax Time with Intuit

We never miss an opportunity to talk taxes! GSO partnered with Intuit to lead a robust conversation about how to navigate this year’s tax season and new credits. GSO President Amy Everitt joined representatives from the California Immigrant Policy Center, United Ways of California, Tax-Aid, the IRS and Tax Time Allies for a webinar called “Empowering Californians at Tax Time.”

Community Partner Spotlight: Antelope Valley Partners for Health

Based in Lancaster, Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH) provides community services to improve the physical and emotional health of people living in the Antelope Valley. As members of our CalEITC4Me partnership, they work with us to share information about the CalEITC and free tax preparation services with the thousands of people who benefit from their programs each year.

Observances

Memorial Day
May 31

Remembers and honors people who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces.

Juneteenth
June 19

Celebrates emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States.

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345 California Street, #600, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA

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