Despite all the attention on the next Congress, the current Congress can make history again this year. In 2021, the expanded Child Tax Credit with monthly payments helped cut child poverty by 46% last year – the largest one-year reduction in history. The monthly CTC payments gave parents the freedom and flexibility to cover rent, food, and utilities when they needed it most – monthly bill time.

Since the payments expired last December, child poverty has increased, parents can’t work because they can’t afford childcare, and global inflation has made basic necessities more expensive.

Congress wants to extend tax breaks for wealthy corporations in December. It would be unconscionable for Congress to do that while ignoring millions of American families struggling to make ends meet.

Last year, we achieved an historic reduction in child poverty. We can do it again. I urge our members of Congress, such as Dr. Kim Schrier, to reject any corporate tax cuts this year unless an expanded, monthly CTC for all low-income families is also included.

Amber Walker

Lake Tapps