The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating on many levels, particularly for working families. As we begin the long road to economic recovery, many women are still struggling.
As child care centers closed and schools went virtual, so many AFSCME parents had to assume more responsibilities at home – watching their kids during the day and helping them adjust to remote learning – while continuing to work on the front lines or making their own transition to telework. Many other women, who work in female-dominated service sectors like retail, restaurant, travel and hospitality, were laid off. If their jobs have returned, the pay is so low that families can’t afford child care.
As a working mom, I know that access to affordable, quality child care is key to women’s return to the workforce. For me, the years when my kids were young were by far the most challenging in my career. Working families need all the help they can get during those difficult years. That’s why I am so excited about the expanded child tax credit that is part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which AFSCME members played such a critical role in helping to pass.
The expanded credit provides families who qualify with up to $3,600 for each child under 6 and up to $3,000 for each child between 6 and 17. Even better, this credit is now refundable, which means that qualifying households will receive it as a direct payment and not have to wait until they file taxes to get it. That money should be arriving at households this week.
The credit will provide a vital lifeline so families can rebuild their financial security, and it will reduce poverty nationwide. The expanded child tax credit is one of many tools in the ARP that is projected to cut the rate of childhood poverty in half.
To help you access this important benefit, AFSCME is launching an online child tax credit calculator to help members learn about their eligibility for the benefit. Find out if you are eligible for the credit, and how much you might get, by clicking here.
Access to affordable, quality child care is one building block that will make our economy more just and equitable for all.