Courtney's Corner - Capitol Hill Days

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to represent Volusia and Flagler Counties at the United Way New President’s Forum in Alexandria, VA at the United Way Worldwide headquarters. I joined 85 other new presidents who are working diligently toward the Education, Financial Stability, and Health of their communities on Capitol Hill to meet with our elected officials.

With tax season quickly approaching, we talked mostly about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the benefit that these free services have for our local families. Last year, the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties completed over 3,000 returns, saving our residents over $690,000 in filing fees. I was also able to meet with staff from Senator Rick Scott’s office and Congressman Michael Waltz’s office to discuss ways to better serve the 43% of families struggling to live sustainably in our community.

I explained that one of the best ways to serve this population was by protecting and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC) and increasing access to the tax credits through the VITA program. Expansion of the EITC for workers not raising children at home and those 21 and older would provide access to these credits for more working families. Volusia and Flagler residents received over $2.9 million in EITC and CTC refunds last year.

Please help us continue to support the VITA program by referring families to our sites, volunteering as a greeter or tax preparer, and sharing the tremendous impact that the VITA program is having on our local families and economy with your elected officials. For more information, visit our website at www.unitedwayvfc.org.

Courtney Edgcomb
President
United Way Volusia-Flagler Counties