The Child Tax Credit is one of the most effective tools available for fighting poverty and giving children a better future.
The last time the credit was expanded, child poverty rates dropped by almost a third, lifting 5.3 million people, including more than 2.9 million children out of poverty. Food insecurity fell by more than a quarter. Just a month after the program expired, however, child poverty rates came surging back.
"Child poverty affects every community, and the Jewish community is not immune," said Karan Paikin Barall, Vice President of Government Affairs for Jewish Federations of North America. "US Jews have reported facing challenges in affording medical care, rent or mortgage, food, and other bills or debts. We saw how effective the tax credits were in reducing child poverty until they expired. The Senate should join the House in reinstating them to protect our children and support our families."
A recent Jewish Federations survey focusing on Jews in poverty, which was funded by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, found that 24% of Jewish households with Children are financially vulnerable. Single parents were the most likely to experience financial vulnerability.
Jewish Federations urge all Senators to support this measure.