I never thought that raising a young child would be easy, but I never expected it to be quite so darn expensive. The financial stress is real and made so much worse by the pandemic. When I had to pay for child care, that was so hard on me financially.
Many women like me have had to leave work to care for our kids — a reality that’s made our family’s financial situation even tougher. I’m a single mom, but that only motivates me to keep moving forward.
Fortunately, millions of moms receive a bit of relief thanks to the temporary expansion of the child tax credit. It’s been a breath of fresh air for millions of families, especially for those struggling to afford basic necessities like food, rent or transportation.
Since July 15, I have automatically received a monthly payment for my child. I use these funds to buy food, my child’s clothes and school supplies.
I take great offense to anyone who says the child tax credit is “simply more government spending” or that it’s just a handout that discourages people from working. The credit is a tax cut for working families. It lets families keep more of what they’ve earned so they can afford the costs of raising kids.
The problem is that unless the Senate acts soon to pass a bill that continues the program, it will expire at the end of the year, and millions of families will go back to struggling to make ends meet.
For years, we’ve watched as politicians in Washington, D.C., have handed out tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest Americans. It’s not like we’re asking to become millionaires or take joy rides into space; we’re simply asking for enough money to live and provide our children a fair shot at a better life.
If our leaders truly believe the children are our future, it’s time for them to prove it by putting their money where their mouth is. It’s time for Washington to show working families that they’re on our side — not only during this pandemic but permanently.
That’s why today, I implore all of our representatives in Washington to make the child tax credit permanent by voting to pass the Build Back Better Act.
My message to them is simple:
“You have the opportunity now to improve the lives of millions of children and have it paid for by making tax-dodging corporations and the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share. Do the right thing! We’re counting on you.”
Evelyn Alvarado is a single mother who lives in Las Vegas.