Media Contact:
Jordan Baker
jbaker@frac.org
202-640-1118
Statement attributable to Luis Guardia, President, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2023 — FRAC commends Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY) for introducing the American Family Act of 2023, which would restore the expanded monthly, fully refundable Child Tax Credit.
The American Family Act will increase the annual Child Tax Credit eligible families receive to $3,600 for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. It also will dramatically increase access for one-third of our nation’s children who are currently locked out of receiving the full credit or any credit at all.
By passing this legislation, Congress has a historic opportunity to take an important step to address hunger among families with children and improve the nutrition, health, and economic security of our nation.
Before expiring in December 2021, the expanded Child Tax Credit time and time again showed a profoundly positive impact on the lives of millions of families. The struggle of not having enough to eat was dramatically reduced as the expanded credit helped families to buy food. Child poverty fell to a record low.
The expanded Child Tax Credit was especially critical for children living with a veteran or active-duty family member, children with single parents, families in rural areas, and Black and Latinx children, because millions of families became newly eligible for the full credit.
We cannot miss out on this opportunity to squarely address child hunger and poverty, Families are facing increasing challenges with the end of pandemic-related interventions, including the end of increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and the loss of Healthy School Meals for All nationwide.
FRAC calls on Congress to swiftly pass the American Family Act.
###
The Food Research & Action Center improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
