Kids Can’t Wait: Why Connecticut Needs a Permanent Child Tax Credit
In a state as vibrant and prosperous as Connecticut, it’s shocking that nearly 40% of households live at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. These families work tirelessly to provide for their children, but often find it difficult to afford their basic needs – things like housing, child care, utilities, food, and health care. These aren’t just statistics. They represent the child care providers, medical assistants, teachers, grocery clerks, and countless other essential workers who make our communities thrive. It’s clear that Connecticut’s families need relief, and we have a solution – a permanent, refundable Child Tax Credit (CTC) of $600 per child.
Investing in Families, Investing in Connecticut
The numbers don’t lie. Policies like the Child Tax Credit have a transformative impact. In 2021, the expanded federal Child Tax Credit lifted 44% of Connecticut’s children out of poverty. That’s almost half of our state’s most vulnerable children who were given a stronger start and greater stability. The CTC isn’t a handout – it’s a powerful tool for addressing racial and income disparities, lifting families out of poverty, and providing economic stability.
In Connecticut, a permanent CTC could directly benefit 550,000 children, reaching 75% of families across the state, including single-parent households and working families. What’s more, the economic ripple effect is undeniable: for every dollar received through the CTC, parents spend $1.38 in their local communities. In Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties alone, a Child Tax Credit would infuse nearly $69 million into the local economy, providing a much-needed boost for businesses and families alike.
A Proven Solution
The case for a state-level Child Tax Credit is undeniable. Connecticut stands as one of the few states with an income tax that does not offer meaningful policies to offset the rising costs of raising children. This is a missed opportunity to support families who form the backbone of our communities. States across the country have proven that targeted tax credits can ease financial burdens, reduce disparities, and create lasting economic benefits. Connecticut should not lag behind.
We’ve already seen the profound impact of similar programs at the federal level. The expanded federal Child Tax Credit was a lifeline for families, drastically reducing child poverty in our state and providing a pathway to stability for tens of thousands of children. Delaying a permanent, state-level solution means turning away from a proven strategy to help families not just survive, but thrive.
The Time to Act Is Now
Connecticut’s children can’t afford to wait. By establishing a permanent, refundable Child Tax Credit, we have the power to transform lives, strengthen families, and catalyze economic growth. This isn’t just about alleviating poverty; it’s about creating a more resilient, equitable future for all.
The numbers make the case. The evidence underscores the urgency. And the moral imperative is clear: Connecticut must take bold action to prioritize its children and families.
Join the Call to Action
It’s time to urge Governor Lamont and Connecticut lawmakers to enact this transformative policy. Together, we can ensure that every child has a fair shot at success, every family has the support it deserves, and every community can prosper. The time to act is now. Let’s build a better Connecticut for generations to come.
Every email, letter, and phone call counts in our collective effort to make the Child Tax Credit a permanent fixture in our state. Thank you for using your voice to help ensure our state's children and their families get the support they need.
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