Legislative Actions to Reduce Child Poverty

Did you know there are at least five current federal legislative actions directed at reducing child poverty? Three of the initiatives would provide direct support to families with children, which would reduce poverty immediately.

Biden’s Economic Relief Act – The American Rescue Plan (ARP, also known as the CARES Act), which contains several proposals to support families with children was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The act contains several family financial relief pieces including an expanded child tax credit but the credit expires at the end of 2021. The Center on Poverty and Social Policy has estimated the immediate overall reduction in poverty would be 29% (11,664,000 people). The reduction by race would be 34% for blacks and 39% for Hispanics. The reduction in child poverty is estimated to be 45%.

Reconciliation Bill – The Build Back Better Plan (BBB) currently contains a continuation of the child tax credits in the ARP, subsidies for child care, and prekindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds, among other benefits for the elderly and college students.

Bennet-Brown American Family Act (AFA) – This bill is currently awaiting debate in the US Senate. It is estimated that the bill would immediately reduce child poverty and deep child poverty by 39% and 50%, respectively.

Romney Family Security Act (FSA) - This bill is currently awaiting debate in the US Senate. It is estimated that this bill would immediately reduce child poverty by 33%. This bill differs from the AFA by requiring work and including families with higher income.

The Child Poverty Reduction Act (CPRA) – The act is based on the National Academy of Science’s 2019 A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty. This program includes several different approaches to reduce child poverty. It is estimated that this program would reduce child poverty by about 50% in 10 years.

Looking for more ways to take action? Follow Think Babies to learn more on various legislative programs, and email Congress and the White House about making babies a a national priority!