Eradicating root causes of poverty is a primary focus of the Matthew 25 Movement initiated by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Over the past two years, advocates committed to justice have diligently worked towards implementing a Child Tax Credit that serves as a crucial tool in alleviating the impact of rising inflation on families. These tax credits play a vital role in tackling the underlying issues contributing to poverty and providing immediate support to families in our communities.

On January 16, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 was introduced. The collective efforts of justice-oriented advocates, including your calls, meetings with elected officials, and action alert emails, have significantly influenced Congress to take action. Thank you for your activism! However, there is still work to be done to ensure that these essential credits reach the hands of families in our communities who are facing challenges in providing for their children.

The bipartisan initiative to expand the Child Tax Credit was spearheaded by Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden of Oregon and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith of Missouri-08. The Presbyterian Church USA, in collaboration with ecumenical partners in Washington, DC, urgently calls for this bill to be passed. 

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the expansion of the Child Tax Credit is projected to lift half a million children out of poverty, with an additional 5 million experiencing a reduction in poverty levels. This tax credit is a lifeline for hardworking families. Under the existing law, 19 million children are ineligible for full Child Tax Credit benefits simply because their families fall below a certain income threshold. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 seeks to rectify this by expanding the tax credit to include nearly 16 million more children from lower-income families. While the monthly checks advocated for by supporters of the Presbyterian Church USA are not included, this expansion represents a meaningful step forward, benefiting more than one in five children.

Congress has the power to uplift millions of people out of poverty. Your email and calls will make a significant difference! Write and call Congress today to tell them to pass The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 now.