LEWISTON – The Lewiston-Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition has put more than $1 million into the pockets of low- and moderate-income families and back into the local economy.

The tally is based on a two-year effort, with a focus on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

Last year’s tax-preparation effort yielded $506,688 in federal return refunds, and this year’s federal refunds rose to $532,843.

The coalition’s state refund figures are not yet available but are estimated to be “significant,” which will even further elevate the $1 million figure.

Early in the tax season, Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay and Auburn Mayor Normand Guay urged eligible individuals to file for the tax credit.

As a result, 400 individuals sought tax assistance, and although some were not required to file, a total of 387 tax returns were electronically filed at free tax-preparation sites established throughout Lewiston and Auburn, along with a first-time outreach site in South Paris.

Lawmaker named to honor roll

AUBURN – In recognition of her commitment to women’s rights, Rep. Sonya Sampson has been named to the Center for Women Policy Studies’ National Honor Roll of State Legislators.

Sampson is one of more than 400 state legislators who have accepted the center’s invitation to join its honor roll of lawmakers who have demonstrated their dedication to promoting women’s equality.

“We are honored to welcome Rep. Sampson to the Honor Roll. I know that the women of Maine can count on her determination, knowledge and political skills to improve the status and condition of Maine’s women and girls,” Center President Leslie R. Wolfe said.

The Center is a national nonprofit policy research and advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C.

“It is an honor for me to join with other legislators across the nation as we work to improve the economic status, health and well-being of women and girls in our states,” Sampson said in a prepared statement.

“While we have accomplished much, we must remember that many women still lack access to education, job training, a job that pays a living wage, health care and quality child care,” she said.

Legislators named to the National Honor Roll pledge their “mutual commitment to the goal of equality and empowerment for American women” and agree “to work together to overcome discrimination based on sex, race, class, age, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion and disability.”

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