Improve the Child Tax Credit

Every year, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) lifts millions of American families out of poverty and helps them live according to their dignity and with greater economic security. While the USCCB has long supported the CTC, the current credit must be improved because it excludes many poor children. As Congress works on a new tax package, we must encourage them to support children and families by passing a strengthened CTC that prioritizes the poorest children.  Improving the credit in this way ensures that the lowest-income families have access to full benefits that foster the welcoming of new life and the building of the family. 

As the U.S. bishops stated in their pastoral document, Putting Children And Families First, “Those with the greatest need require the greatest response. This is the ‘option for the poor’ in action. While every family needs support, poor families and families facing discrimination carry the greatest burdens and require the most help. With limited resources, we need to focus assistance on those with the greatest needs.”

An improved Child Tax Credit should also: 

• continue to include mixed-status families,
• be available for the year before birth to help mothers in need welcome new life,
• ensure the credit does not undermine the building of families, and
• not offset the cost of the credit by cutting programs that serve those most in need 
• Please urge your members of Congress to work together to improve the Child Tax Credit to help support families and lift children out of poverty. 

We encourage you to add your story about why strengthening the Child Tax Credit is important.

The most recent USCCB letter advocating for an improved Child Tax Credit is here.

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