Reengage in fight against poverty

Despite all the attention on the next Congress, the current Congress can make history again this year. In 2021, the expanded child tax credit with monthly payments helped cut child poverty by 46% — the largest one-year reduction in history. The monthly payments gave parents the freedom and flexibility to cover rent, food and utilities when they needed it most — monthly bill time.

Since the payments expired last December, child poverty has increased and global inflation has made basic necessities more expensive.

Congress wants to extend tax breaks for wealthy corporations this month. It would be unconscionable to do that while ignoring millions of American families struggling to make ends meet and just put food on the table.

Last year, we achieved a historic reduction in child poverty. We can do it again. I urge our members of Congress to reject any corporate tax cuts this year unless an expanded, monthly child tax credit for all low-income families is also included.