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February 2, 2015

A Taxing Issue

Dear Friends,

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Tax season is upon us, and before the April 18 filing deadline arrives, I want all Rhode Islanders to be aware of the available resources and benefits.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a wonderful resource that helps individuals with income less than $54,000 through the tax filing process. In Rhode Island, the program is sponsored by the Rhode Island Community Action Association, and I’m so grateful for the IRS-certified tax preparers who volunteer their time.

Rhode Islanders can also learn more about IRS and Rhode Island Free File programs this Friday, February 5, at 2 p.m., at my annual Free File Briefing. This year’s briefing and interactive demonstration will be at the Cranston Public Library. Many people assume they are ineligible, but 70 percent of taxpayers can actually take advantage of these free services.

If you’re planning to handle your taxes at home, make sure you know about tax credits available to you. I was proud to vote to renew and expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, for example, which will help working families recoup thousands of dollars. I supported efforts to make this tax credit permanent, along with the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit, providing added certainty to the finances of Rhode Island households.

Lastly, be careful out there! My office has received calls from constituents targeted by scam artists posing as IRS representatives. The Internal Revenue Service will never call you to make demands for owed money or ask for personal information. When in doubt, just call my office at 401-732-9400.

Happy filing!

Sincerely,

State of the Union

With negativity and fear-mongering dominating the headlines, it was refreshing to hear President Obama deliver a State of the Union address that highlighted the good things happening in our country. Our economy continues to grow stronger and we are leading the way on global efforts to combat climate change, but when I look at the work that remains – cutting red tape for business, tackling immigration reform, passing commonsense gun reforms and growing more American jobs – I know rhetoric alone isn’t going to get it done.

Be a Mentor

January was National Mentoring Month, and I was excited to celebrate it with the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership. I have been blessed with extraordinary mentors over the years, but thousands of young people in Rhode Island lack the social network necessary to develop these life-changing relationships in their own lives. If you or someone you know has kindness to give, consider becoming a mentor.

Join the Conversation:

Save The Date

LUNCH WITH LANGEVIN

Don’t miss a chance to share your thoughts!
March 5, noon-2pm
Nino’s Pizza
500 Atwood Ave, Cranston

Did You Know...?

BLOGGING THE OCEAN STATE

Rep. Langevin writes about events and interesting visits he embarks on in Rhode Island on his blog, Langevin Hits the Rhode. ››

FAST FACT

General Dynamics Electric Boat, with a major presence in Quonset Park, will hire 300 people this year and 1,500 more by 2030. ››

In Other News

#DSTRONG

Rep. Langevin joined the movement of people, worldwide, showing support for Dorian Murray, an 8-year-old Westerly boy battling cancer. ››

SOCIAL (MEDIA) SECURITY

A senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Langevin called on tech companies to do more to monitor extremist propaganda on social media. ››

GUEST OF HONOR

Rep. Langevin was proud to invite Tim Hebert, the President and CEO of IT-services firm, Atrion, to be his guest at the State of the Union. ››

BANK IN BUSINESS

Thanks in part to a $3.2 million federal grant that Rep. Langevin helped secure, the Pawtuxet Riverbank was restored and fortified after being damaged in the March 2010 floods. ››

A GOOD SIGN

Rep. Langevin applauded Rhode Island’s efforts to attract business from General Electric, and expressed hope for future GE jobs in the state. ››

CYBER WIN

As co-chair of the Cybersecurity Caucus, Rep. Langevin rallied the support of 125 bipartisan Members of Congress to call for changes to export controls that could hinder cybersecurity. ››

FEMALE FLYERS

Rep. Langevin spoke on the House floor in support of efforts to give female pilots the same recognition and respect as their male counterparts. ››

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