Letter - People Power United sends a letter to Senators to reject any amendments that might reduce the number of children who would benefit from the Child Tax Credit expansion

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People Power United joined other local, state, and national groups to send a letter to Senators to reject any amendments that might reduce the number of children who would benefit from the Child Tax Credit expansion. Shout out to THE COALITION ON HUMAN NEEDS for leading these efforts.

Here is the letter sent on behalf of our People Power United membership to the Senators:

February 9, 2024

Dear Senator,

Every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides critical assistance to families as they confront the rising costs of raising children, and we know from experience it can lift millions of children out of poverty. To promote the general welfare and well-being of children, youth, and families, all children should be eligible to receive an expanded CTC on a permanent basis. 

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 is a step in the right direction. It includes a modest but important expansion of the CTC, which for the next three years provides more assistance to millions of families facing steep economic challenges. Although this legislation does not go far enough for the children in families in the most difficult economic circumstances, it would benefit 16 million children in families with low incomes, and lift half a million children out of poverty by 2025. 

On January 31,  the House of Representatives passed the legislation by a wide margin of 357 to 70, with overwhelming and rare bipartisan support. Families in your state and around the country who are struggling with high food, housing, and energy costs need this relief now. 

As you consider this legislation, we urge you to oppose amendments that would reduce the number of children who benefit from the CTC. We also urge you to oppose amendments that would eliminate the “lookback” provision–which provides needed flexibilities for families experiencing economic setbacks or doing essential caregiving work–and to reject attempts to use tax policy to advance an agenda hostile to reproductive freedom. 

We look forward to opportunities to further strengthen the CTC in the future so that it provides meaningful support to all families who need it. In the short term, we urge you to act quickly and oppose any proposals that weaken the CTC provisions of the House-passed bipartisan bill.

Sincerely,

******

People Power United champions progressive values and power to the people. We are a group of people who believe in the possibility of change and work to make it happen. Whether it's supporting a candidate, fighting to pass legislation, or working to change our culture, our members are committed to an inclusive and progressive future.