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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Campaign to Reinstate Child Tax Credit Program for WA Families

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Friday, November 4, 2022   

The expanded Child Tax Credit lifted 3.7 million kids out of poverty in the United States, including many in Washington. The tax credit expired last year, but has led to a call to reinstate it to help families pay for basic needs. When the program lapsed, child poverty increased by more than 40%.

Megan Pirie, a parent ambassador with Head Start in eastern Washington, has four children adopted from foster care. She bought a house just before the pandemic, was then laid off and, due to an administrative mixup, didn't get unemployment for three months. Pirie said the tax credit saved her.

"Without that Child Tax Credit, we probably would be homeless," she said. "We probably would have lost our house. I can't even think about that, but what I can think about is the fact that as a community advocate and as someone invested in our families, we have to continue to do things like this, and make sure they happen."

The expanded Child Tax Credit provided monthly payments of $300 to $360 per child to families, depending on the child's age. According to a recent survey, food insecurity for families in Washington state has increased nearly 58% from last year when the tax credit was in place.

Opponents in Congress have said the program contributed to inflation. Indeed, the rising costs of goods because of inflation is hitting families hard. But Pirie said reinstating the expanded Child Tax Credit now is crucial to ensure more families can get by.

"Food benefits have not increased," she said. "A pair of shoes is twice as much. How will families make it?"

Pirie is convinced the program would benefit future generations.

"It's really something that's an investment into our communities and into our kids," she said. "It's not a handout. It's something that says, 'Here. We recognize that our country is in this state, that we need to help those that are going to build our country back.'"


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