DETROIT — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), along with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), re-introduced the End Child Poverty Act, which would replace the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the child provisions in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) with a Universal Child Benefit that would provide a payment of $428 per child per month to families.

“Poverty is a policy choice. Currently, one in every five children in Michigan lives below the poverty line. The End Child Poverty Act will create a universal child assistance program and ensure that every child has the resources they need to reach their full potential,” said Congresswoman Tlaib. “The expanded Child Tax Credit lifted 2.9 million children out of poverty and cut child poverty in nearly half, but now that it has expired, too many families are struggling to make ends meet. In the richest country in the history of the world, no family should have to choose between keeping a roof over their head and putting food on the table to feed their children.”

This program would be universal and include no income phase-ins or phase-outs. Children will be automatically enrolled at birth, and every family would receive a monthly payment for every child they are currently caring for up until the age of 18. The payment would be distributed by the Social Security Administration.

“In the midst of a devastating pandemic, President Biden and Democrats in Congress took dramatic action to help families in my district stay afloat—expanding lifechanging benefits like Medicaid and SNAP, and expanding the child tax credit to finally benefit the most vulnerable among us. This action alone cut child poverty nearly in half,” said Congresswoman Omar. “It is a tragedy that we let the child tax credit expansion expire. I am thrilled that Minnesota plans to expand the state’s child tax credit, but Congress must take federal action to address child poverty and help millions of families afford basics like food, rent, childcare and healthcare. The End Child Poverty Act would cut childhood poverty by nearly two-thirds. It is exactly the type of bold action our party should be championing to finally address child poverty in this country and make sure families aren’t going hungry in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.”

“We have over 442,000 children living in poverty in Illinois. As the wealthiest nation, no child should be living in poverty and it’s critical we do more to protect and support our young population,” said Congressman García. “I am proud to join Congresswoman Tlaib in reintroducing the End Child Poverty Act. This crucial legislation provides financial security for families living paycheck to paycheck. We must continue to work towards reducing child poverty and ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive in this country.”

The End Child Poverty Act is endorsed by: Mothering Justice, Michigan United, People’s Policy Project, Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, and We the People Michigan. 

Estimates produced by the People’s Policy Project show that this change would cut child poverty by 61%, the deepest child poverty by 93%, and overall poverty by 26%.

“This universal child benefit proposal would dramatically simplify our nation’s child benefit system and provide financial security for all families when they have a child,” said Matt Bruenig, founder of the People’s Policy Project.

“The universal child benefit provided by the End Child Poverty Act would be a lifeline for families across the country who are living in poverty and those living paycheck to paycheck,” said Danielle Atkinson, founder and national executive director for Mothering Justice. “Congresswoman Tlaib is putting forth a bold and inclusive policy that would dramatically reduce child poverty and give families the opportunity to thrive. We are proud to endorse this legislation at Mothering Justice.”

More information about the bill can be found here.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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