As Congress continues to negotiate the Build Back Better Act, it is critical to consider the impact of legislation they have already enacted – and what’s at stake if they do not take further action. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit as a part of the American Recovery Plan Act lifted 3 million children out of poverty in the first month that families received checks. Emergency paid leave provisions included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act expanded the entitlement to upwards of 60 million workers. But these benefits are quickly coming to an end. Babies and toddlers have been aided by these policies throughout the pandemic, whether it was because their families could better make ends meet or their caregivers had time to bond with them or heal before returning to work. But as theState of Babies Yearbook shows us, even without a world crisis, a lack of policies like these leaves babies and their families particularly vulnerable to the damaging impacts of poverty, stress, and other hardships. It took a pandemic for us to implement these fundamental supports for families. Why would we take them away now? The Build Back Better Act would extend the expanded Child Tax Credit and paid leave – not just to help families continue to weather the pandemic, but because we know that they are critical supports for babies’ physical and mental health. In addition, it would address the gaps in a broken child care system that is crucial to child development, family well-being, and economic growth, but does not currently meet the needs of anyone – babies, families, or providers. Right now, Congress needs to hear about the consequences of their inaction. There are reports that these critical programs may be cut or reduced as negotiations continue. We need your help to hold the line. Get Involved below to tell Congress that Build Back Better investments in the Child Tax Credit, paid leave, and child care are crucial for the healthy development of our next generation. |
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