For 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. Our work has moved Congress to act, but we must do more. 

Last Tuesday, January 30, 2024 the tax package that includes an expanded Child Tax Credit projected to lift half a million children out of poverty passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin (vote 357-70). Now it faces scrutiny by Senate Republicans as they “vow to slow down the process” of getting these vital tax credits in the hands of families in our communities. 

Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who negotiated the family tax break deal with House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., insists the Senate move swiftly on the bill (HR 7024), given its potential implications for tax season. “I'm gonna do everything I can to get this done quickly and get a presidential signature on it,” Wyden said.

Congress has the power to uplift millions of people out of poverty by passing this bill if the Senate acts quickly. The Senate must pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 and get payments into the hands of struggling families and children. 

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.

Write or call the Senate today to tell Congress they must act now on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 now. Your email and calls made a significant difference in January. Let’s get this passed in the next six days before Congress is on recess!