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Election 2024 - close races to decide control of US Congress; Alabama felony voting ban leaves thousands disenfranchised as polls open; Glynn County under watch as key Election Day player; PA voting report: Strengthening election integrity amid potential disruptions.

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Philadelphia's District Attorney says the city is prepared for any election violence, doctors advise about how to handle Election Stress Disorder, and Oregon has a high number of women in government.

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A Cambodian poultry farmer who lost his livelihood could be a hero for others, rural Montanans are anxiously awaiting a court ruling over a climate lawsuit brought by young people, and Northeast states say more housing for working families could boost jobs.

CT lawmakers considering state child tax credit bill

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Thursday, March 7, 2024   

Child tax credit legislation is being considered in Connecticut.

The state is one of several without such a credit, though a child tax rebate was offered early in the pandemic. Connecticut's growing cost of living has made it hard for families to afford essentials.

United Way of Connecticut's ALICE Essentials index shows basic costs increased more than 18% between 2021 and 2023.

Jessica Vargas is a New Britain single mother who said she feels this credit can help people who don't meet income requirements for other assistance programs.

"Because my income fell slightly above the income threshold that many programs had, that left me not qualifying for much of anything," said Vargas. "And so, I was forced to strategize ways to stretch my weekly paycheck to ensure all of our basic needs are met."

Connecticut's credit would provide families with a $600 per child credit for up to three children.

Legislation to create a state credit was brought before the General Assembly in 2022, but failed in committee.

Testimony at public hearings for both the House and Senate versions of the bill had unanimous support.

Lawmakers and advocates hope to lower the state's child poverty rate. After the federal child tax credit ended, it rose from around 4% to 11% in one year.

State Rep. Sarah Keitt - D-Fairfield - said creating a permanent child tax credit has multiple statewide benefits.

"For every Child Tax Credit $1 a family receives they return $1.38 back to our local economies," said Keitt. "That's a 38% return on investment. So, not only are these tax credits good for Connecticut families, but they are good for Connecticut economies."

Some experts feel along with a state credit, the recently passed Federal Child Tax Credit expansion will also help families.

The Center on Budget Policy and Priorities finds the new federal credit will benefit 16 million low-income kids nationwide in its first year... 119,000 of them in Connecticut.




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