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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.

Earned Income Tax Credit and "Rural Factor" Use Strong In Montana

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Tuesday, November 18, 2014   

BILLINGS, Mont. - Rural living can be a struggle in Montana. In fact, for 21 percent of the state's rural workers, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) keeps them above the poverty line, according to new research from the Center for Rural Affairs.

The EITC is a refundable federal credit which is claimed by 21 percent of rural Montanans, compared with 17 percent of those who live in metropolitan regions. Jon Bailey, the report's author, calls the tax credit effective, but also notes the report's use as an economic indicator for rural areas.

"It's another example of a poverty-alleviation safety net program that's used more often in rural areas," says Bailey. "That follows along with the rural economy and all of the data on the rural economy compared to urban economies."

Montana's use of the credit tracks the national trend, while the divide between large metropolitan areas and rural or small cities is even greater in the South.

Bailey says there has been discussion about updating the credit, and he believes this new research makes the case that changes are needed.

"It's the kind of policy I think deserves some real analysis as far as the expansion of it, and making it available to more people," he says.

A refundable tax credit means families qualifying and filing for the EITC receive federal income tax refund payments - cash that Bailey says is quickly circulated through communities.


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