California Volunteers In this role, I work diligently to engage and mobilize Californians in service and volunteering. I am focused on creating opportunities for all residents to contribute to their communities and make a positive impact. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we strive to address the most pressing needs in our state. From disaster response and recovery efforts to educational programs and environmental stewardship, we are committed to fostering a culture of service and empowering individuals to take action. My team and I work closely with organizations, schools, and community groups to design and implement effective volunteer programs. We provide resources, training, and support to ensure that volunteering is accessible and impactful. Volunteering not only benefits our communities but also contributes to personal growth and development. It allows individuals to connect with others, gain new skills, and explore different perspectives. Whether it's mentoring a student, assisting with a community clean-up, or providing support during a crisis, volunteers play an essential role in building a stronger California. I am proud of the incredible work that volunteers across the state are doing, and I will continue to advocate for the importance of service. Together, we can create a brighter future for all Californians. Join me in making a difference. Together, we are stronger. CalEITC4Mehis article originally appeared on CAForward

Death and taxes are two inevitable aspects of life that we all try to steer clear of. If given the chance, would you voluntarily go through the hassle of filing your taxes? It is highly unlikely that many of us would willingly take on this burdensome task. However, what if I told you that by not filing, you could potentially be missing out on some extra cash? This revelation might alter your perspective, especially if you are currently experiencing financial difficulties.

Every year, there is a missed opportunity for low-income individuals in California to benefit from the assistance of the federal and state governments, totaling $2 billion. This financial support could greatly contribute to fulfilling their basic necessities. One way to alleviate this situation is by taking advantage of the earned income tax credit, a federal initiative that provides monetary rewards to low-income workers who make a claim. Additionally, the state of California has its own program called Cal EITC, which not only enhances this much-needed support but extends it to individuals in different stages of their careers. Specifically, young individuals aged 18-24 starting their professional journey and senior citizens aged over 65 can benefit from this program.

According to the IRS, approximately 20% of eligible individuals fail to claim the earned income tax credit (EITC) on a national scale. This unfortunate reality can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, many diligent individuals do not meet the IRS income threshold which necessitates the filing of a tax return, thus resulting in them not filing at all. By not doing so, they inadvertently miss out on the opportunity to receive hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars as a cash back through the California and federal EITCs. This financial support is specifically designed to aid them in meeting their fundamental needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and education. Furthermore, this additional assistance can provide some relief from the recurring stress that arises from living paycheck to paycheck, effectively alleviating the silent struggle of working hard but still facing financial difficulties.

One of the main reasons for the lack of tax filing is the lack of awareness among the general population, including community leaders and organizations, regarding the extended deadline for claiming the EITCs. Unlike Tax Day, which holds significance for various reasons, it is not a crucial deadline for the EITC.

That’s precisely the motive why the battle against poverty in California through the implementation of this well-established initiative remains continuous throughout the year. Furthermore, it's the very rationale behind the dedication and efforts of Golden State Opportunityand our campaign for engaging the public across the state, and our initiative to reach out to the public throughout the entire state, CalEITC4MeThe bustling atmosphere of , is thriving completely.

Prior to April 15, an unprecedented number of individuals have sought the Cal EITC, as per official state data. The figures reveal that a staggering 1.6 million individuals have benefited from a total of $300 million in state credit, representing a remarkable 42% surge compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. These numbers exemplify the significant strides being made in our ongoing battle against poverty and the enhancement of financial stability.

Nonetheless, it is crucial that we do not grow complacent in our current achievements, despite the fact that it has been estimated that around two million individuals in California are eligible for the Cal EITC. It is therefore imperative that we continue to strive and reach out to hundreds of thousands of diligent Californians, ensuring that they are well-informed about the significance of the EITCs and guiding them towards accessing free assistance in filing their taxes.

Extensive effort is necessary for education and outreach related to the EITCs. Every year, almost 85% of individuals receiving the Cal EITC are doing so for the first time. This indicates the need to connect with a significantly new and distinct population annually. Achieving this goal involves implementing proactive and continuous outreach strategies throughout the year, rather than solely during tax season. It is essential to utilize innovative technologies and marketing techniques to effectively engage with and establish trust within the communities where these newly qualified groups reside and are employed.

Our comprehensive campaign incorporates a cutting-edge texting system, complimentary tax preparation services, various events, both online and offline advertisements, electronic and physical materials available in seven diverse languages, a digital tool for easily assessing individuals' eligibility, and successful collaboration with a wide range of partners, such as non-profit organizations, community influencers, and elected representatives.

Considering the wealth of research indicating the favorable effects that the EITC exerts on healthcare and educational achievements, the enriched future earnings for recipients' offspring, and the economic consequences of heightened expenditure within nearby neighborhoods, the benefits of increasing outreach efforts and the utilization of EITC are substantial in the near future. Not only does it provide immediate assistance to families, but it also plays a vital role in alleviating long-term poverty for future generations.

We possess an exceptional program that we are confident of its effectiveness in relation to the Cal EITC. Let us expand its reach to a larger audience and promote the growth of local economies by targeting individuals who can derive the greatest advantages from the Cal EITC beyond Tax Day and throughout the entire year.