Faith, Civil Rights, Labor Leaders Speak out Against Cuts to Child Tax Credit

Diverse Coalition Decries Senator’s Attempt to Hike Taxes on Working Class Families with Children

The measure, proposed by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), would affect up to four million Latino children

(WASHINGTON, DC) - The Senate is poised to vote to deny millions of working, taxpaying families the Child Tax Credit (CTC), an important tool that has allowed millions of working families to provide for their children. The measure, proposed by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), would affect up to four million Latino children, according to estimates. A broad coalition of advocates for children, faith and labor leaders, and anti-poverty experts has renounced the proposal as a cynical attempt to pit children against the unemployed.

A telephonic press briefing on the consequences of denying the Child Tax Credit to working families takes place Monday, January 13, 11 am EST.

CALL-IN INFORMATION: 

BACKGROUND:

The Child Tax Credit is a proven anti-poverty measure that was established more than 15 years ago to help working families care for their children financially. All workers in the U.S. are required to file federal income taxes. Those who are ineligible for a Social Security number – including individuals who are lawfully present – file their taxes with an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number). Under current law, ITIN filers are eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit. Senator Ayotte is seeking to change the tax law and deny Child Tax Credit eligibility to more than 2 million families who file their taxes using an ITIN. This proposal will further impoverish five million children in low-wage families, undermine our economic recovery and betray America’s values.

Source: National Immigration Law Center