The New York Times

House Republicans have hit upon a noxious scheme to help pay for an extension of the payroll tax cut: a tax increase on millions of poor working families. A bill passed by the House and now in conference seeks to deny cash refunds under the child tax credit to those who file tax returns using “individual taxpayer identification numbers” issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Only those using Social Security numbers would be eligible.

The refundable portion of the child tax credit is a life-saver for the working poor. Families that would be cut off by this policy change make an average of $21,000 per year, according to the Treasury Department. They would lose an average of $1,800. About 80 percent of those families are Hispanic. The taxpayer identification numbers are used frequently, though not exclusively, by unauthorized immigrants to pay the taxes because they are not eligible for Social Security numbers. The I.R.S. accepts their tax payments and allows families to claim the child tax credit regardless of immigration status. This policy is an effective antipoverty tool that protects children, most of whom are American-born citizens. ...

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The bipartisan Child Tax Credit was designed to help families manage the costs of raising children and make it easier for them to meet basic needs. A proposal advancing in the House of Representatives could undermine the CTC and raise taxes on the families of more than 4.5 million U.S. citizen children.

Related Resources

• Our Ad in POLITICO
• Child advocates letter urging members of Congress to reject the CTC cut

Washington – Senior negotiators in the U.S. House of Representatives released a proposal Friday to offset the fiscal impact of a payroll tax holiday extension by cutting federal commitments to Medicaid, lowering federal non-defense domestic discretionary funding caps, and requiring that federal income tax returns claiming the refundable the Child Tax Credit (CTC) include the filer’s Social Security number. The CTC provision would weaken the economic stability of immigrant families that include up to 4.5 million U.S. citizen children. Tighter budget caps could affect kids’ initiatives ranging from educational support for children with disabilities to shelter and care for homeless kids. And cuts in Medicaid payment rates for hospitals – including children’s hospitals – simply shift the costs of needed care to families and small businesses. In response, First Focus Campaign for Children President Bruce Lesley released the following statement:

“With child poverty way up, Congress should be making it easier for parents to meet their children’s basic needs, not tying their hands with more red tape. Lawmakers shouldn't cast a vote for this proposal until they understand exactly how it will affect the children they serve.”

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The United States Senate is considering the Reid Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act based on the Tax Compromise announced by President Obama on December 6. This fact sheet outlines the provisions that will help children and working families, including the extension of Unemployment Insurance, expansions of the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, and a payroll tax cut.

Washington D.C. – Today, the First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan child advocacy group, released the names of Members of Congress identified as the most valuable leaders on issues important to children. The announcement today launches the group’s inaugural campaign to recognize the top 100 Members of Congress who make improving the well-being of children a national priority.

Of the 100 Members of Congress recognized by the group today, 50 Members were named “Champions for Children” on account of their extraordinary efforts to protect and improve the future of America’s next generation. An additional 50 Members were awarded the title “Defenders of Children” and are being recognized for their support of policies that advance the well-being of children.

“We applaud our Champions and Defenders of Children for their unflagging commitment to protect our nation’s future,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children. “Children cannot vote, hold press conferences, or donate to political campaigns to thank the Members of Congress that support them and protect their interests. And because of that, today we are honoring those Members on behalf of children. This award is intended to give recognition to our nation's top public officials who take action to make children a national priority. We look forward to working with our Champions and Defenders to continue protecting America’s next generation of leaders.”

In selecting the Champions and Defenders honored today, the First Focus Campaign for Children took note of leaders who introduced, co-sponsored, and voted for legislation that would best meet the needs of children. In addition, the organization considered Members who demonstrated extraordinary initiative by spearheading activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering the support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children.

Learn more about our Champions for Children Campaign.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) will be honored as a Champion for Children at a Children’s Budget Summit hosted by the bi-partisan Campaign for Children.

Senator Lincoln is one of only three Senators recognized at the event with this honor, marking her as one of the top leaders in Congress for federal investments that deliver for America’s children. First Focus cited, in particular, Senator Lincoln’s leadership on child nutrition, children’s health, and the Child Tax Credit – issues particularly important for Arkansas.

“Senator Blanche Lincoln has raised the profile of children’s issues in Congress and served as a true leader on issues like child health and nutrition, child care, and child welfare,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the First Focus Campaign for Children. We thank Senator Lincoln for her unflagging commitment to making America’s children a top priority of our nation.”

Rich Huddleston, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, agreed with that assessment. “Senator Lincoln has consistently stood up for children in Arkansas and across the country,” he said.

“Children are our most precious blessings, and throughout my public service I’ve been proud to fight for federal resources and measures to ensure their health, safety, and well being,” Senator Lincoln said. “I am proud to advocate for improved nutrition, access to quality education and health care, and safe and loving homes for our children, and I thank First Focus and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families for sharing this commitment.”

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The First Focus Campaign for Children collaborated with messaging expert Dr. Drew Westen, to identify messages that effectively communicate the needs of America’s children in a way that will resonate with policymakers, media, and the public. This PowerPoint presentation outlines the results from our research and provides examples of effective messages.