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House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) and Senate Democratic Conference Vice-Chairman Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) today introduced legislation that will expand the use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Emmanuel and Schumer were joined by Alison Reardon, SEIU Director of Legislation and Susan Chambers, Wal-Mart Executive Vice President of the Global People Division, representatives of two of the groups that have endorsed the legislation.

Speaking to reporters at an afternoon press conference Emanuel said that his office every Saturday helps its constituents with the EITC process because it is so difficult for people to do on their own. The average person according to Emmanuel is eligible for $2,000 but that there are millions left on the table that no one claims. “Of all the credits that are out there the Earned Income Tax Credit has the lowest participatory rate,” said Emmanuel.

According to both Emanuel and Schumer the Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson has the ability to enact these procedures by executive order but has refused.
The program itself was first started under the Ford Administration and has gone on ever since.

Schumer though when asked if he was worried about a presidential veto said “I would hope not. This is just making sure that legislation that has a good purpose is applied and enforced.” But Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) said he did not think it would be likely that Republicans would support such a measure. “I know they’ve introduced a lot of legislation and I don’t think we’re gonna pass one,” said Cornyn.