What would $500 extra mean for your family? For many people, this could be used to help pay bills and afford medical expenses, including mental health services.
This year state legislators are considering funding the Working Families Tax Credit, an important policy to ensure people in our state have access to the cash they need. The WFTC would provide an annual income boost to nearly 1 in 6 households across Washington. These are the folks who have been hit hardest by COVID-19.
As a mental health counselor, I have worked with many folks in Clark County who would benefit from this tax credit. Many families only make enough to stay above the poverty level, barely affording health insurance, with a high deductible. So even with insurance they are paying out of pocket. Because of this, people then forgo medical or mental health care because they just can’t afford it. Mental health care is especially necessary right now with the pandemic. The WFTC would be a lifesaver for many families in our community and state.
HB 1297 is currently in the Senate, and I encourage all our senators to support this important legislation and help our working families.
