Demand Progress

Just days ago, President Biden called on Congress to reinstate the expanded Child Tax Credit and make the tax break for families in need permanent.¹ “The expanded Child Tax Credit is one of the most effective programs we’ve ever seen,” President Biden said.

Last year, Congress and President Biden expanded the Child Tax Credit as part of the American Rescue Plan. It lifted millions of children out of poverty.² But it expired at the end of 2021 and Congress must act now to reinstate this simple, progressive tax policy right away, and make it permanent.

Will you join us and urge Congress to pass a permanent expanded Child Tax Credit? We need Congress to hear from their constituents if we want to see this critical policy reinstated.

These days, tax breaks most often go to corporations and the ultra-wealthy. But in 2021, the expanded Child Tax Credit was a major win for families and advocates of progressive tax policies. The credit provided direct aid to families who needed the help to pay their bills. According to studies of the expanded credit, funds from the Child Tax benefit were primarily used for child care, food, housing and other basic needs.³

Now, President Biden is calling on Congress to take action on the Child Tax Credit as part of his initiative to end hunger in America by 2030.⁴ It’s imperative that Congress use the tools at its disposal to ensure families can afford their lives, and we know the expanded Child Tax Credit gives families the ability to do just that. It’s a no-brainer policy, but some members of Congress and their cruel austerity politics are blocking the expanded credit from passing.

So, help us reinstate the expanded Child Tax Credit by urging Congress to take action today. When you sign our petition, you’re telling Congress you support smart, effective tax policy for families who need to pay for housing, food, and other basic needs.

Sources: 

1. PBS, “WATCH: Biden calls on Congress to reinstate expanded child tax credit to end hunger by 2030,” September 28, 2022.
2. Brookings Institute, “The impacts of the 2021 expanded child tax credit on family employment, nutrition, and financial well-being” April 13, 2022.
3. National Conference of State Legislatures, “Child Tax Credit Overview” July 11, 2022.
4. PBS, “WATCH: Biden calls on Congress to reinstate expanded child tax credit to end hunger by 2030,” September 28, 2022.