Child Development Expert Responds to Inadequate Child Tax Credit Bill

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“This week’s introduction of the Advancing Support for Working Families Act, introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) shows that both sides of the aisle are eager to find solutions that support babies and families and secure a sound future for our country. The legislation would offer financial support for new parents through an advance on their Child Tax Credit which would in turn have to be repaid.

“But make no mistake: this bill would not set babies and families on a path to success. A front-loaded loan for families who will remain strapped for cash ignores the real costs of raising young children in the United States and the policies families really need. Adequate family income in a child’s early years is critical in supporting healthy development. So, too, is a real leave policy that protects job security and replaces income when families must tend to critical challenges many Americans face, from caring for a baby to caregiving for family members with a major illness. Families should not be asked to sacrifice their future much-needed income to make up for the lack of real policies like comprehensive paid leave and affordable high-quality child care in America.

“Simply put, this plan is inadequate to the real needs of working families in the United States, who need a comprehensive national paid family and medical leave program—like that proposed in the bipartisan Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act—and affordable child care—like that proposed in the Child Care for Working Families Act. As the ‘baby voice’ at the table, I’m urging our leaders in Congress to cosponsor the FAMILY Act and urgently pass legislation critical to securing a strong future for our next generation.”

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ZERO TO THREE works to ensure all babies and toddlers benefit from the family and community connections critical to their well-being and development. Since 1977, the organization has advanced the proven power of nurturing relationships by transforming the science of early childhood into helpful resources, practical tools and responsive policies for millions of parents, professionals and policymakers. For more information, and to learn how to become a ZERO TO THREE member, please visit zerotothree.org, facebook.com/zerotothree, or follow @zerotothree on Twitter.