Lawmakers around the are country pushing back against states that delay tax refunds in an effort to help ailing budgets.
Their rallying cry? Give the people their money.
Holding on to the money allows states to use it for other purposes, earn interest on it or simply wait until there's enough cash to cover the checks. But the cost can be an unhappy public.
Several states have delayed refunds this year and more did it last year. Backlash from unhappy taxpayers has prompted legislation in several states trying to force money to be returned faster.
Some state officials say budget troubles have left them no choice but to delay refunds. But lawmakers have countered that the money actually belongs to the taxpayers — not the states.
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