Center for Economic Progress: Creating a Save-Invest Economy at Tax Time

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Creating a Save-Invest Economy at Tax Time

Tax season may be over, but the struggles of low-income families aren't. A family's tax refund may be their best chance to work their way back from a difficult year, but in this economy, what's the best way to maximize that money?

The Center for Economic Progress joined the New America Foundation this April to share successes in promoting financial services at the tax site to help families get ahead. One of three organizations featured, the Center is a pioneer in connecting Volunteer Income Tax Assistance clients to prepaid debit cards and mainstream banking products.

Watch the presentation.

The New America Foundation event also featured Jason Furman, Deputy Director, White House National Economic Council, who discussed the Administration's plan to help taxpayers save and invest at this critical time.

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Help Us Raise $1,500 in 60 Days!

The Center for Economic Progress and MyServiceVine have teamed up and invite you to take part in a challenge to help raise money for the Center—without ever opening your wallet.

Tax season can be a confusing time for everyone—especially low-income individuals and families looking to claim all of the credits that are available to them this filing season. To alleviate some of this confusion, staff members from the Center for Economic Progress will host a live, call-in show on Chicago's CAN TV21 to provide tax help to viewers.

The Center for Economic Progress has partnered with Chili's restaurants throughout Illinois as part of the new Chili's Pepper Profit Partner Program. Visit a participating Chili's between December 5 and April 30 the Center will get 10 percent of the total purchase.

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New Grant Award

The Center for Economic Progress has been awarded a grant by COUNTRY Financial through its Count on COUNTRY Financial grant program. The Center was one of five grant recipients.

With little tax training, low-income families are among the most likely to leave money on the table at tax time. Become a Center volunteer and help offer free tax and financial services to low-income families.

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Savings Report Now Online

Savings is as important as consumption when it comes to the future economic health and vitality of the U.S. economy. Read more about our savings policy work in our latest policy paper.

During the 2009 tax season, the Center put $52 million back into the pockets of more than 33,000 Illinois families and their communities. Read our Tax & Financial Services Highlights to see how we've helped families use our tax and financial services to get ahead.

This year, low-income students across the country will learn that finding money for college is as easy as 1-2-3 with help from our new national initiative, Financial Aid U.

Perhaps nowhere is April 15 -- Tax Day -- tougher on low-income families than in Illinois. The Center strongly endorses Governor Pat Quinn’s effort to offer tax relief to Illinois families.

Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Citi Foundation, the Center will help families navigate one of the most crucial steps for low-income students on the road to college – understanding the financial aid application process.

With many people concerned about their jobs, the struggling economy is impacting everyone. Where can you go for help? CBS2 Charity Contributor Lisa Dietlin highlighted the Center for Economic Progress.

The current economic crisis offers a historic opportunity for transformation. Our annual report highlights how we are reimagining our work as we focus on the pocketbook issues of working families.

The Center's workplace program "Chicago Supports Workers" was featured on the front-page Business section of the Chicago Tribune on Saturday, August 2, 2008.

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Recent Victory

Center successfully champions $8 million in first-time federal support for community tax programs.

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