Imagine there's a division in a company that is operating so efficiently and taking up so few administrative resources that it's saving money for the whole firm. The demand for its products is predictable and constant, and customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Would anyone close down that department?

Many hard-working people need access to short-term credit in a pinch to cover the cost of an emergency room visit or replacing a busted stove or carburetor. Yet apart from asking friends and relatives for assistance, a wellspring that comes with its own costs and often runs dry, many families turn to alternative, "predatory" lenders to finance unexpected expenses. Although the products offered by these alternative lenders — such as payday or car-title loans — can help families weather a financial emergency, the eye-popping interest rates can be devastating.

There aren’t too many tax fans around these days. Times are hard, people are working harder, and government programs designed to be solutions are often seen as part of the problem. More than ever, tax season is a dreaded time.

If only there was a simple, efficient tax program that rewarded those who work hard but struggle to get ahead. If only someone would create a tax program that benefits businesses.

And while we’re dreaming, let’s make one that creates jobs in San Diego County too.

Raise your hand if you think filing a federal tax return will bring you thousands of dollars. Or if you think tax time this year could bring a windfall of federal stimulus dollars to Fresno's economy.

Most hands, I predict, are down. Everyone dreads doing their taxes. But this year, every working family with an income of less than $48,000 could have a big reason to look forward to it. That's because of something known as the Earned Income Tax Credit. It could be called Big Bucks For Fresno.

It makes filing that tax return very, very worthwhile for many people.