The United Way of Florida says more than 3.4 million people are struggling to pay for basic needs.
United Way of Florida President, Ted Granger, says the organization wants a million dollars to help low-income families file taxes.
“The $1.2 million investment will help low-income workers recoup $48 million of tax credits that they are entitled to that they otherwise might not have claimed,” said Granger.
According to United Way 67 percent of Floridians, earn less than $20 per hour but in order to pay for basic needs they should be making close to $27 per hour.
South Florida resident, Victoria Townsend says its a rough reality for impoverished families,
“I mean you are able to have two working parents and still are not able to make ends meet. No matter what kind of job they may work with you still are not able to.”
Florida House Representative Holly Raschein is sponsoring United Way’s budget request. The organization released its latest report on poverty in the Sunshine State, Wednesday at the Capitol.