Fresno Bee-
A new California budget bill would allow more undocumented immigrants to receive a state tax credit worth hundreds of dollars, loosening restrictions on a program that Gov. Gavin Newsom in June opened for the first time to some residents regardless of immigration status.
Advocates for undocumented immigrants have sought the tax benefit, known as the Earned Income Tax Credit, for years. They argue undocumented immigrants pay a number of taxes and should benefit from services meant to help people in financial straits.
Newsom in June signed legislation that allowed undocumented residents to qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit if they have children under age 6. Expanding it to all undocumented households would cost the state about $65 million a year, according to the Franchise Tax Board.
The California Right 