During the year, Erickson's Furniture, Inc. issued $3,000$ shares of its $$0\mathrm{.}50$ stated value common stock for $$25$ per share, and declared and paid cash dividends totaling $$0\mathrm{.}25$ per share.

By what amount does contributed capital increase as a result of these events?

Select one:

a$.$ $$75,000$

b$.$ $$74,250$

c$.$ $$1,500$

d$.$ $$44,250$