Child tax credit payments were just sent to families all over the country. These checks are making a big difference in a lot of people's lives – but do they make any real, lasting change?
While the most recent stimulus bill did increase them slightly, working parents have always had access to this tax credit. The difference is that now, they’re being sent to families in installments instead of after tax season.
It’s a good policy – but it does leave millions of working families still hungry and still poor.
The payments have cut child poverty numbers in half, which is great news – but why was there so much child poverty in the first place?
Though some in Congress want to make this change permanent, the monthly payments are expected to end this year. With the growing costs of food, day care, and other bills, these monthly payments are a lifeline for many – but they don’t solve the systemic issue of poverty.
Our society has to prioritize the needs of lower-income people. We need to address why these issues are happening before we can even begin to solve them. These checks are helping countless families in big ways – but the economic struggle these people face will remain after the checks dry up.