Keep Kids Out of Poverty — Expand The Child Tax Credit Now
3,167 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Hunger Site
Every day, more children fall into poverty while Congress delays action. Call for an expansion of the Child Tax Credit and lift millions of families out of crisis.
Millions of families across the country are facing financial hardship, and the situation is growing more urgent every day. With the cost of living rising and wages stagnating, parents are struggling to cover the most basic needs—food, housing, and childcare. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) was once a critical lifeline, but since the expanded version expired, millions of children have been pushed back below the poverty line1.
We must act now to restore and expand the Child Tax Credit to provide families with up to $3,600 per child annually, giving parents the relief they so desperately need. When expanded in 2021, the CTC made a real difference in the lives of working families. It helped reduce child poverty by nearly half and provided financial security for parents juggling the costs of raising children during a time of economic uncertainty2.
The current proposal in Congress seeks to restore this vital credit. But political roadblocks and delays are putting children’s futures at risk. If passed, the expansion would immediately benefit over 16 million children in low-income families, giving them a better chance at a stable and healthy future2. For families who are working hard but struggling to make ends meet, an expanded Child Tax Credit can mean the difference between putting food on the table and going without.
Why the Child Tax Credit Matters
Without the expanded Child Tax Credit, child poverty rates have surged. The 2021 expansion proved just how effective this credit can be in fighting poverty, especially among low- and middle-income families. For parents making $15,000 a year, the expanded CTC could increase their annual credit by as much as $1,725, making a significant impact on their ability to care for their children3. For families with multiple children, the relief is even more substantial.
The proposed expansion isn’t just about reducing poverty; it’s about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Financial stability allows families to provide for their children’s education, healthcare, and wellbeing, which has lasting benefits for society as a whole. A stronger Child Tax Credit means healthier, better-educated kids who are more likely to succeed in the future2.
The Stakes Are High
If Congress fails to act, millions of children will continue to suffer. In the first year alone, the expanded credit would lift 400,000 children above the poverty line and make millions more "less poor"2. This relief is not just a temporary fix—it’s a proven solution that can reduce the devastating effects of poverty on children, allowing them to grow up healthier and more secure.
Lawmakers must make expanding the Child Tax Credit a priority. Families need this support, and the evidence is clear that it works. Yet, political opposition is delaying action, leaving families in financial limbo4. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The longer we delay, the more children suffer.
Take Action Now
This is our moment to demand change. We need to send a clear message to Congress: Expand the Child Tax Credit and provide much-needed financial relief to millions of struggling families. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a stable home with the resources they need to thrive.
Sign the petition — call on lawmakers to act immediately and restore this crucial support for families.
- White House (2024), "The Child Tax Credit."
- Kris Cox, Chuck Marr, Sarah Calame, Stephanie Hingtgen, George Fenton and Arloc Sherman, CBPP (26 January 2024), "About 16 Million Children in Low-Income Families Would Gain in First Year of Bipartisan Child Tax Credit Expansion."
- Aimee Picchi, CBS News (15 April 2024), "Tax Day is here, but the expanded Child Tax Credit never materialized."
- Sahil Kapur, Julie Tsirkin, Kate Santaliz and Frank Thorp V, NBC News (1 August 2024), "Senate Republicans block bill to expand Child Tax Credit."
The Petition:
To the Honorable Members of the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, Senate Majority Leader, and Speaker of the House,
We, the undersigned, call on you to immediately expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to provide American families with up to $3,600 per child annually. The expiration of the expanded CTC has already pushed millions of children back below the poverty line, and the need for relief has never been greater.
Families across the country are struggling to make ends meet as they face rising costs for housing, food, childcare, and basic necessities. The temporary expansion of the CTC in 2021 proved how impactful this credit can be, cutting child poverty nearly in half. Restoring the CTC to this level would offer crucial financial support to parents, lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and making millions more less poor.
The evidence is clear: expanding the Child Tax Credit is one of the most effective ways to reduce child poverty and support hard-working parents. For many families, the CTC provides the funds needed to pay for essential expenses like school supplies, rent, and healthcare. Without this critical support, parents are being forced to make impossible choices between basic needs.
We urge you to prioritize this issue by passing legislation that increases the Child Tax Credit to $3,600 per child annually, expands eligibility to all low- and middle-income families, and ensures that these benefits are available immediately. This action will not only help lift children out of poverty but also provide economic stability for millions of households.
These actions are vital for ensuring a better future for all of us. By investing in children and families today, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous America for generations to come.
Sincerely,
