To increase the state earned income tax credit from an amount equal to 6 percent of the federal EITC to 20 percent, which will distribute around $260 million annually to low income wage earners. This program is styled as a “refundable” tax credit, meaning that a check is sent to households who owe no income tax. The measure will not become law unless voters approve an increase to the state sales tax in a May 5, 2015 election, and reportedly it was passed to gain Democratic votes for the two-thirds majority required to place that on the ballot. The bill's original purpose was also adopted, which is to raise the income threshold in the formula used to calculate a “homestead” or principle residence exemption taxpayers can claim on their state income tax.