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WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, the National Parents Union (NPU), a key group that supports Black and Brown parents and families often overlooked, brought hundreds of parents to Washington, D.C., to insist that Congress make decisions that benefit American families. During a crucial time when families are feeling the effects of inflation, their efforts included advocating for a child tax credit expansion bill that would help millions of families across the nation.
At the rally on the steps of the US Capital, parent leaders clearly stated their demands. They want Congress to immediately pass the bipartisan tax relief bill to provide crucial help to millions of families. Senators Ron Wyden from Oregon and Michael Bennet from Colorado attended the rally.
Bipartisan Public Support Meets Senate Hurdles
The $78 billion bill was approved by the US House in January 2024 with a vote of 357-70. It is now awaiting a Senate vote. The bill proposes to expand the child tax credit with annual increases to keep up with inflation. This expansion would help about 16 million low-income children in its first year. The legislation also includes measures that would let businesses deduct more of their expenses. This aims to encourage more investment in research and development and new equipment, which are important factors in creating jobs.
A recent survey by the National Parents Union shows widespread support across political parties for increasing the Child Tax Credit. About 91% of parents who are Democrats and 84% of parents who are Republicans favor the expansion.
The surveys also revealed that more than 3 in 10 parents in households earning less than $50,000 a year have difficulty affording basic needs.
“We came today to thank these Senators but also call on the United States Senate to make sure that we are actually voting on this issue,” said Keri Rodrigues, Co-Founder and President of NPU. “Both Republicans and Democrats, doesn’t matter what area of the country we’re talking about– there is unanimity. American families are in support of this Child Tax Credit.”
US Senate Republican Demands and Election Year Politics Threaten Child Tax Credit Bill
Key Senate Republicans, led by Mike Crapo of Idaho, are demanding major changes to the bill. They are particularly opposing a provision that allows taxpayers to use previous years’ incomes to claim a larger child tax credit. Crapo and other Republicans argue that the bill weakens work requirements and leads to higher deficits. They are calling for cuts in other areas to fund the child tax credit expansion.
There is tension between the desire to pass popular measures that benefit families and small businesses. This is compounded by political maneuvering in an election year. Some Republicans view the bill’s failure as a way to deny a legislative victory to President Joe Biden. Senate Democrats remain committed to finding a compromise, but the path forward is uncertain.
US Senators Wyden and Bennet Champion Major Child Tax Credit Reform to Combat Childhood Poverty
Senators Ron Wyden and Michael Bennet passionately advocate for expanding the child tax credit amidst intensifying debate. They aim to support America’s most vulnerable families through these proposed reforms.
“We have the chance to do something really big for America’s kids and a chance, finally, to end this outrageous practice of discriminating against big families. What Sen. Bennet and I have said, we don’t see any billionaires waiting for this to happen,” US Senator Ronald Wyde (D-OR) said during the National Parents Union rally press conference. “For families who are walking an economic tightrope rather than billionaires. We’re with you,” he added.
“I’ve worked on the child tax credit for a very long time. I’ve been here in the middle of the night when tax cuts were expiring for the biggest corporations in America and this place somehow finds a way to do its job under those circumstances but can’t do its job when it comes to expanding the child tax credit,” Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) said.
“I think our goal should be to end childhood poverty, not just cut it in half. We should be responsive to this group of parents who have traveled from all over the country on behalf of their kids and on behalf of the parents of kids who couldn’t travel here today because they’re working two or three jobs. That’s why NPU is here,” Senator Bennet passionately added. Notably, one NPU member traveled as far as Hawaii to advocate for the Child Tax Credit.
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Voices of Advocacy: NPU Parents Share Personal Stories on the Impact of Child Tax Credit
The impact of restoring the child tax credit expansion resonates deeply with families across the nation. It offers a glimmer of hope amidst financial strain.
Tafshier Cosby, Senior Director of The NPU Center for Organizing and Partnership, emphasizes the tangible relief this credit brings. It eases the burden of monthly expenses and fosters economic stability.
“Restoring the child tax credit will mean less monthly struggle for families because it’s going to be at least some relief from the current costs of household items that they need to buy. Having extra income in your pocket is going to make a huge difference that will not only benefit families but children directly and the broader economy,” Cosby said.
Tricia McGhee, NPU Partner and Director of Policy of Revolución Educativa, shares a poignant narrative, highlighting the transformative effect of the tax credit on her family’s life. “Like many parents that live in this country, I make just enough to not receive state help. I work really hard. I have two jobs, and I’m a single parent doing everything I can to provide my two daughters with the education they need,” McGhee shared.
“When the tax credit came through, I was able to put my daughter, who is dyslexic and has dyscalculia and ADHD, in specialized tutoring. It was $500 a month that the year before I had to take on a third job to be able to afford. With just a little bit of support, I was able to find those educational opportunities that our school district did not offer her,” McGhee added.
Urgency Mounts as Tax Day Looms
In a powerful plea for American families, the National Parents Union rallied in Washington, D.C., urging Congress to act. Despite bipartisan support for expanding the Child Tax Credit, Senate hurdles loom large, clouding the path forward.
With Senators Wyden and Bennet leading the charge, the fate of millions hangs in the balance amidst political turbulence in this pivotal election year and Monday’s tax deadline. The voices of parents echo beyond Capitol Hill, emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat childhood poverty and uplift the nation’s most vulnerable.