Yvonne Zuidema, President and CEO United Way of Passaic County, to Testify Before the US Congress

February 18, 2021 (Alexandria, VA) Yvonne Zuidema, President and CEO United Way of Passaic County to testify before the United States Congress House Ways and Means Committee Oversight Subcommittee today Thursday, February 18 at 2:00 PM ET to discuss United Way of Passaic County’s work, their efforts to help people easily and accurately file their federal and state taxes through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the challenges and opportunities that COVID-19 has presented.

“Millions of low-income Americans work hard for wages, but face obstacles in filing their taxes.  In some cases, people don’t owe taxes and are not required to file.  What many don’t realize is that they are entitled to tax refunds they can access by filing their taxes – refunds that can have a huge positive impact on a family with financial struggles,” said Yvonne Zuidema, President and CEO United Way of Passaic County. “This is where the VITA program and other services provided by United Way and our community partners help. We are grateful to the United States Congress for enabling United Way to provide this assistance to those in need.”

Zuidema will share specific recommendations on what Congress can do to expand the refundable credits and programs which help unemployed workers manage financially, provide a safety-net for the most vulnerable populations, ease the financial burden on nonprofits, and connect families with needed childcare and educational supports. Zuidema joins representatives from national organizations to testify virtually on free tax preparation services and outreach provided at both local and national levels.

Everyone committed to the work of charitable nonprofits during these uncertain economic times is invited to a hearing before the United States Congress House Ways and Means Committee Oversight Subcommittee on Thursday, February 18 at 2:00 PM. Committee’s livestream of the hearing, available:

https://waysandmeans.house.gov/legislation/hearings/oversight-subcommittee-hearing-free-tax-preparation-services-during-pandemic   

Witnesses:   

• Rebecca Thompson, Director of Field Engagement & Taxpayer Opportunity Network, Prosperity Now
• Lynnette Lee-Villanueva, Vice President, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
• Yvonne Zuidema, President & CEO, United Way of Passaic County
• Gary Rauschenberger, District Coordinator, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide of Butler County

Chairman:    Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-09)

For more information, please visit: https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/work/public-policy

About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.