Josh Stein proposes a ‘Working Families’ Tax Cut’

According to Stein’s campaign, the average working family in the state could receive upwards of $520 back under his plan to reinstate the State Earned Income Tax Credit, while families with three children or more could see up to $1,486 back in their pockets.

North Carolina’s Democratic nominee for Governor Josh Stein unveiled a plan on Thursday to support working families in the state.

Speaking at the Kid Appeal Learning Center in High Point, Stein announced his plan for a Working Families’ Tax Cut, which would be accessible to over two million North Carolinians.

Stein’s plan would reinstate the State Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC), which was first enacted in 2007, before the Republican-controlled General Assembly voted to repeal it in 2013. The SEITC provided financial relief to those making up to around $50,000 per year. 

According to Stein’s campaign, the average working family in the state could receive upwards of $520 back under his plan, while families with three children or more could see up to $1,486 back in their pockets.

“North Carolina’s economy is strong and growing, but not everyone is benefiting from that growth – working people need more money in their pockets,” Stein said in a statement. “That’s why today I’m announcing my support for enacting a Working Families’ Tax Cut to help working people across North Carolina make ends meet and keep more of what they earn.” 

When North Carolina ditched the SEITC over a decade ago, it became the first state to ever do so. This decision impacted around a million North Carolinians who at the time were claiming the tax credit.

Families can currently claim the federal earned income tax credit, but North Carolina remains one of 19 states that do not offer an EITC at the state level.