Getting Stimulus Checks to Those Who Did Not Expect One BALTIMORE, MD (wypr) - Tens of thousands of people in the Baltimore area are being urged to file federal income tax returns, not because they have something to pay,,,but because they have something to get and, according to the plan, give back to the economy. WYPR's Bob Costantini has more on the effort to get stimulus checks in the hands of those most in need:

but with this particular tax credit, you have to file a tax return, even if you're not normally required to

Pam Chaney of the University of Maryland law school's low-income tax clinic is one of those reaching out to find people who might be due an economic stimulus check.

At the southwest senior center in Baltimore, Chaney meets with people to tell them the deadline is approaching.

While the regulars play cards in the center, off to one side, Sampson coward has come from Rosedale. He receives disability. To get his government stimulus check, he'll have to file a tax return by October 15:

Well, it'll help me pay off bills, something like that. I don't expect that much, if I get anything.

The 54-year old made at least three-thousand dollars in disability benefits. He wouldn't normally pay income taxes, but must file nonetheless for the 300-dollars he can expect from Uncle Sam.

Recently, at the league for people with disabilities, local leaders spoke of the need to put the word out to many who don't file tax returns, but are eligible to help stimulate the economy, as envisioned by the program.

Joanna Smith-Ramani is with the Baltimore cash campaign, an organization aiming to uplift low-income citizens:

Working with partners throughout the area, the Baltimore Cash Campaign is working to bring in as much of the remaining 11-million dollars in economic stimulus money to the families and people who need it most. Most of the people who have not filed are seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

Though the state is not involved, and no state income tax returns need be filed, comptroller Peter Franchot helped present the statistics:

Baltimore area alone, there are over 35-thousand people who have yet to receive the federal payment, all because they didn't file a Federal tax return this year.

The eligibility was a hot topic in Washington before the plan passed early this year. Fiscal conservatives and some republicans thought of it as an income tax rebate, meaning people who did not pay income taxes should not be eligible.

Democrats, including Baltimore area congressman John Sarbanes insisted money be sent to those on disability, retirees and ultra-low wage earners:

It's about a stimulus. It wasn't so much about whether somebody pays income tax now or doesn't pay income tax. It's about whether you have individual citizens who are in a position, when they team up collectively, who are in a position to offer a stimulus to the economy.


knowing that they can get themselves a good feeling about themselves, knowing that they are playing a part in a functioning society.

Confined to a wheelchair for 13 years, having suffered a severe head injury and now HIV positive, Christopher Ringgold of west Baltimore receives SSI payments. He doesn't need to file a tax return, but says he will to get whatever the government might send to help him meet his needs:

It wouldn't be a big part, but some part. You know, a little part is better than no part. And the money will give the person a good feeling about themselves, knowing that they're doing something towards society, helping others.

That is, whatever, he spends as a consumer, trickles down through the supply chain.

Recent government reports indicate the stimulus payments helped the economy grow at a much faster rate than expected, in the second quarter of this year.

I'm Bob Costantini, reporting from Baltimore, for 88.1, WYPR.
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