INCOME & WORK SUPPORTS UPDATE
January 2022

What Families Need to Know about the CTC in 2022

The temporary expansions to the Child Tax Credit (CTC) have dramatically reduced the share of children experiencing poverty, especially among Black and Latinx kids. The expansions have also lowered food insecurity rates, helped families afford necessities, and reduced financial stress for parents. But since the monthly CTC payments have ended—at least for now—many are left feeling uncertain. This blog details what families need to know about the CTC in 2022. To claim their remaining CTC balance, caregivers must file their 2021 taxes (starting January 24) and may need to provide additional information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

In the News

DECEMBER 29, 2021 | PROPUBLICA

States Are Hoarding $5.2 Billion in Welfare Funds Even as the Need for Aid Grows

DECEMBER 20, 2021 | THE CUT

What Joe Manchin Really Thinks About Poor Parents

DECEMBER 10, 2021 | NEWSWEEK

Expiring Child Tax Credits Push Democrats Into Race Against Time

DECEMBER 6, 2021 | KANSAS REFLECTOR

Kansas advocates talk Build Back Better bill

IWS Update

We are disappointed that Congress was not able to pass the Build Back Better Act before the New Year. BBB remains both urgent and overwhelmingly important to children, families, and workers with low incomes who continue to experience financial uncertainty because of the pandemic. We ask you to join us in urging Senators to prioritize passing this critical legislation. BBB must include key provisions that can have an impact on the lives of families with low incomes such as the fully refundable Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion, solution to the Medicaid coverage gap, and landmark investments in housing, child care, and more.

By January 14, 2022, We encourage your organization to sign onto the Protecting Immigrant Families campaign’s comment letter regarding the Department of State’s (DOS’s) public charge rule. The letter recommends that DOS issue rulemaking as soon as possible to remove the text of its October 2019 public charge rule from regulations and restore the previous, longstanding regulatory text We believe this is the best way to ensure immigrants and their families understand that it is safe to access critical public benefits.

Key Blog Posts and Publications

DECEMBER 20, 2021 | ISHA WEERASINGHE

Why Birthing Parents Like Me Can’t Wait for Build Back Better to Pass

DECEMBER 17, 2021 | OLIVIA GOLDEN

Senate Must Deliver Citizenship Pathway, Despite Parliamentarian Ruling

DECEMBER 14, 2021 | WHITNEY BUNTS

Mobile Response: An Appropriate Co-Responder Model

In celebration of the New Year, we decided to change things up a little and share some of the books that team members recommend for your 2022 reading lists!

T he Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard

A fantasy novel about friendship, family, work, mission, and belonging... and Universal Basic Income (UBI). Recommended by Elizabeth.

Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang

A memoir about the five years the author spent living undocumented in New York City from the ages of 7-12. Hauntingly evocative descriptions of the fear, hunger, confusion, and shame of an irrepressible young child forced to hide herself. Recommended by Juliana.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

This self-care book is perfect for the start of the New Year. The author helps with providing skills and tools needed to create and establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. A perfect guide to reclaiming yourself! Recommended by Teon.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Set in Texas in 1934, this book focuses on the struggles of one family and the strength of one mother to provide for her family. Recommended by Suzanne

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

This book follows two characters as they are impacted by the AIDS epidemic in Chicago over the span of three decades. Recommended by Ashley.

Trash by Dorothy Allison

This collection of short stories follows “a cross-eyed working-class lesbian, addicted to violence, language, and hope'' as she navigates complicated relationships with the women in her life—both past and present. Recommended by Jessi.

The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss by Jason Fung, MD

This book is a compilation of research on weight loss obsession and myths across the world. Its recommendations on what is truly needed to achieve healthy weight loss flips traditional nutrition standards on their head. It also illustrates how capitalism in America drives our food system, which drives our food choices. Recommended by Parker.

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