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U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Tax Refund Gadgets Cost Neediest MO Families $61 Million

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Monday, March 16, 2009   

A refund of close to f$5,000 could be especially timely for Missouri families during this recession. That's the upper end of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low- to moderate-income working families - and a report released today by the Children's Defense Fund shows Missouri families eligible for the refund are being targeted by tax preparation companies and those selling refund anticipation loans and checks.

CDF press secretary Ed Shelleby says those services cost Missouri EITC families about 61 million dollars.

"What is often hidden is that there's a lot of fees attached to this, and you can lose a significant portion of what your refund will actually be."

Shelleby says selling services to EITC families is a profitable business – but one he says steals money from families who need every dollar, especially this year.

"Even before this recession, these tax preparation centers took over three billion dollars from low-income families – money that needs to be in the pockets of these families."

Companies offering the loans and EITC filing say they provide valuable services for families needing access to money quickly, and for those who feel overwhelmed by tax paperwork. Shelleby points out that there is true free filing available, along with direct deposit of refunds, through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program – with locations around the state. CDF is also calling for federal laws to protect families from predatory services, and for an expansion of free tax preparation offerings.

A listing of free tax preparation locations is available by toll-free telephone at 1-800-829-1040.

The full report by the CDF, Avoiding the Pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loans," is available online at
www.childrensdefense.org


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