Demand Progress

In America, nearly 11 million children live in poverty. That’s 1 out of every 7 children nationwide.

The harmful effects of child poverty exact enormous costs on American society and to the overall economy. Studies show children under the age of 5, who already experience the highest poverty rates among children overall, also experience significant long-term negative effects in brain development as a result. Since children of color are disproportionately represented among children in poverty, they’re hit the hardest, further reinforcing racial wealth gaps and systemic inequalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic only made it all worse. Millions of parents and caretakers lost their jobs and school closures forced many others to quit or work part-time in order to provide childcare they could no longer afford.

The good news is the Child Tax Credit passed as part of the American Rescue Plan provides historic relief to the most working families ever. That’s a BFD. Even better, as of July 15th, most families have already started receiving the benefit as monthly cash payments of $300 per child under 6 and $250 per child between the ages of 6 and 17.

These payments are projected to drastically cut child poverty by 45% nationwide this year and across racial groups the reduction is even higher, particularly for Black, Hispanic, and Native American children.

The problem is this Child Tax Credit will expire at the end of the year, unless Congress makes it permanent now. Fortunately, President Biden included it as part of his American Jobs Plan and the only step left is for Congress to include it in the budget reconciliation package being negotiated right now.

Add your name to the petition and join the call to make the Child Tax Credit permanent now!