Money from the expanded federal Child Tax Credit is now available for families with children across the U.S.
Congress approved its temporary expansion as part of its pandemic response, but many experts say keeping the additional benefits would have both short- and long-term benefits that could help lift millions of children out of poverty.
What do families need to know about the expanded Child Tax Credit? How much is available and what can it be used for?
How does someone who doesn't file taxes or who is unbanked claim this money? What more can be done to let people know about these benefits?
What are the pros and cons of keeping expanded benefits in place moving forward? Where would the money come from? How could it help alleviate the epidemic of child poverty in America?
Click here for more information about to claim the credit if you aren't already in the IRS' system.
Guests:
- Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank
- U.S. House Rep. Henry Cuellar, Democrat representing TX-28
- Leonard Burman, Ph.D., Urban Institute fellow, co-founder of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and co-author of "Taxes in America: What Everyone Needs to Know"
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*This interview was recorded on Monday, July 19.