Back to school — I remember the excitement and trepidation that the first day brought. One thing I don’t remember is having to spend so much on starting back. The school supplied the necessities:pencils, paper, crayons, scissors, and folders. I didn’t need a second pair of shoes and expensive extras. The cost of getting an education in public school can be burdensome when a family is on a very tight budget.
That is one reason the Expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) of 2021 was such a blessing. Based on the number of children in a family and their ages, this money was sent every month and families could plan ahead. Studies have shown that parents spent that money on food, rent, and child care. It even allowed for a bit of savings.
And who were the children included in this benefit, which ended Dec. 31, 2021? Children were earlierexcluded under the prior Child Tax Credit and the one now in place — the children whose families have the lowest income.
And in January 2022, millions of children fell once again below the poverty level. Those who need it the most don’t qualify. It is absurd.
Congress will be considering adjustments to tax policy this fall. The CTC does not appear to be very important in current discussions. But our children (and our future) depend on robust support. We need to let Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Mary Peltola know that the Child Tax Credit needs to be renewed and expanded.
— Patricia Kennish
Anchorage
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