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Congress failed to renew child tax credits. Now, we need these 15 states to lead the way [1]
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Date: 2023-01-30
The benefits of direct cash payment programs like the expanded child tax credit are well documented. When in place, these policies achieved historic drops in child poverty, and drastically reduced food insecurity, providing families with the financial stability they deserve.
The gains made during the expansion in 2021 have since eroded. Since the program ended, an estimated 3.7 million children have fallen back into poverty.
Six states—Oregon, Nebraska, Illinois, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Utah—are already considering versions of a state child tax credit or earned income tax credit. And in California, New York, Vermont, New Mexico, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Maine, the state legislature can expand upon their preexisting credits.
The proposals in each state vary, but they all have the same underlying goal: With the federal child tax credit gone, families need support. And there are plans underway. Congress is not off the hook, and these states can help families thrive right now.
Enacting and expanding state-based child tax credits is not only the morally right thing to do, it’s politically popular. A November 2022 Morning Consult/ZERO TO THREE poll shows 85% of parents with babies and toddlers want Congress to take swift action in passing the expanded child tax credit. A September 2022 survey of 1,500 voters surveyed said support for the child tax credit crosses party lines: 86% of Democrats, 77% of independents, and 64% of Republicans favor the child tax credit.
The expanded child tax credit gave families the resources needed to help keep up with the cost of living, dramatically reducing child poverty and hunger. State legislators have the opportunity and ability to strengthen our families through popular, bipartisan legislation. And with everyone struggling to make ends meet, they can't do it soon enough.
If you live in OR, NE, IL, CT, RI, UT, CA, NY, VT, NM, NJ, MD, MA, CO, or ME, send a letter to your state legislators urging them to do all they can to provide for families in your state.
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[1] Url:
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2023/1/30/2149649/-Congress-failed-to-renew-child-tax-credits-Now-we-need-these-15-states-to-lead-the-way
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