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INCOME & WORK SUPPORTS UPDATE
FEBRUARY 2022
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Exhausted Parents Need the CTC’s Relief
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“As I write this, I’m afraid the Build Back Better Act (BBB), which is again on hold, won’t pass,” expressed Maryann Broxton, a member of CLASP’s Community Partnership Group. “I’m tired. I’m tired because as a person with direct experience of poverty working in the policy realm, it’s hard doing this work when you’re still living this work. I’m tired because I can’t begin to discuss policy with policymakers when all my time is first spent convincing them that people in poverty deserve humanity and dignity… I am tired that the CTC monthly payments are being allowed to expire despite research showing their impact on poverty—and countless parents living in poverty who have taken time out of their busy lives to share their stories with members of Congress.”
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| Medicaid Work Requirements Revoked. The CTC Shouldn’t Go Down this Path. |
| Again and again, work requirements have failed to do anything other than create barriers to benefit programs. Therefore, adding a work requirement to the CTC would be a big policy misstep, causing the most harm to caregivers with the lowest incomes, caregivers of color, and those who don’t have the time to navigate more bureaucracy. |
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| What’s New this Year for the EITC—Possibly More Money for You! |
| This year, workers without children in their homes can benefit even more from the EITC, because the American Rescue Plan temporarily expanded the EITC for workers with no “qualifying children.” In celebration of the IRS’s 16th annual EITC Awareness Day, this blog shares some essential facts to know about the new temporary expansions to the EITC for the 2021 tax year. |
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Congress is turning its attention to appropriations, with the current Continuing Resolution that provides government funding due to expire on February 18. CLASP is working to ensure adequate funding for programs that serve people with low incomes. We invite organizations to join us in signing onto this letter from the Coalition on Human Needs’, which emphasizes that “higher inflation now added to rising need makes it especially urgent” for Congress to act.
We’re also still continuing to fight for comprehensive investments in the Build Back Better package and all the supports they would provide to people with low incomes. Like Maryann, we must acknowledge that we’re tired and frustrated by all the delays and opposition. But we refuse to give up because these issues are too important.
These are some of the things that team members report bring them hope and energy:
- During these uncertain times, "potential" helps me endure when I am tired and frustrated. I keep in mind my ideal version of the world and believe this image is within reach. What's reassuring is remembering I am a descendant of people who refused to give up. My ancestors fought for the world I am living in now. It is my turn to continue the fight for change. There is potential to create a bold, transformative world. - Teon
- When I am frustrated, I get my energy from the amazing people I have the chance to work with – the members of the team and others at CLASP, but also the directly impacted individuals who are standing up for themselves, and all the advocates and partners we work with (that means you!). Thank you. - Elizabeth
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