For Immediate Release: January 16, 2024

WASHINGTON—In response to the introduction of the bipartisan tax deal, NETWORK Executive Director Mary J. Novak said:

“NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice believes child poverty is a stain on the soul of our nation. We work for a future where all children have the resources they need to thrive. Today we applaud Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith for reaching a bipartisan agreement to expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and call for immediate passage of the bill.

“The CTC proposal will make meaningful progress toward the goal of ending child poverty. Although the proposal is not as generous as the American Rescue Plan Act credit, this proposal will provide full CTC benefits to approximately 16 million children who are currently deprived of CTC resources solely because their families do not make enough money. More than one in five children will benefit, importantly including roughly one in three Black, Latino, and Native American children, who currently cannot access the credit.

“This funding in the tax agreement is more important now than ever. At a time when the child poverty rate has more than doubled since last year, families are facing impossible choices between clothing, food, housing, childcare, and medical bills. This is not time for politics as usual. This is a rare opportunity to deliver relief to families right now. We urge Congress to work together to pass this bill immediately.”

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Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1972, in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, NETWORK is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share our values, working to achieve equity and justice for everyone. Grounded in Gospel values and the Catholic social justice tradition, NETWORK transforms our society by shaping federal policies that achieve racial, economic, and social justice; serve the common good; and honor the dignity of all.