The President and CEO of America’s largest child and youth advocacy organization said the Senate’s decision to vote against a bipartisan tax package, which included an expanded child tax credit, ‘failed our children.’
Contact:
John Henry, JHenry@childrensdefense.org, CDF Media Relations Manager, @johnhenrydc, 708-646-7679
Washington, D.C.—Today, the United States Senate voted to reject House Resolution 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which included a proposal to significantly expand the child tax credit. Analysts project the bipartisan measure, which initially passed in the House this January by a vote of 357-70, could have lifted 400,000 young children out of poverty. Children’s Defense Fund President and CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s vote:
“We were pleased, this week, to see Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer finally bring the expanded Child Tax Credit to a vote, as part of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. Unfortunately, we were also disappointed in the Senate’s rejection of the measure, this afternoon. Experts project the expanded child tax credit in this bill could have benefited nearly 16 million under-resourced children and lifted another 400,000 of America’s youngest citizens out of poverty in its first year alone. Once again, the nation’s lawmakers have failed our children. In this season of civic engagement, we now ask every American voter to challenge policymakers and candidates to restore the expanded child tax credit in the next Administration.”
This decision by the Senate will undoubtedly have a significant impact on children and youth, particularly those from economically marginalized families who rely on the expanded child tax credit for essential resources. The rejection of this measure means that many children will continue to face the challenges of poverty, limiting their access to opportunities for education, health care, and overall development.
CDF remains committed to its mission and will continue to push for legislative measures that support the well-being and prosperity of all children, youth, and families.
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About Children’s Defense Fund
Founded in 1973, Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. The only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF advances the well-being of America’s most diverse generation, the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25. CDF’s grassroots movements in marginalized communities build power for child-centered public policy, informed by racial equity and the lived experience of children and youth. Its renowned CDF Freedom Schools® program is conducted in nearly 100 cities across 30 states and territories. Learn more at www.childrensdefense.org.