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Petition Highlights Financial Struggles of Connecticut Families
Call for Broader Reforms to Address Tax Inequities
According to Public News Service, a new petition supporting a proposed child tax credit in Connecticut is sparking important discussions. The petition initiated by the United Way of Connecticut has gathered 540 signatures highlighting the pressing need for financial support among families. The proposed credit aims to provide $600 per child for up to three children a significant relief for many struggling households. Daniel Fitzmaurice the advocacy director for United Way of Connecticut, emphasized the urgency of this support. “These families are maybe one flat tire away from missing a day of work not getting paid that day and being evicted. Or, these families have pushed off medical appointments for them or their children because they are not sure they could afford the co-pays or any of the treatments that might come with it” he said.
Fitzmaurice explained that while some families might qualify for the Child Tax Credit and certain assistance programs they often earn too much to receive other types of aid. Alongside the Child Tax Credit bill the Connecticut General Assembly also considered a two-year pilot program to help those who have just surpassed the income limits for benefits. However, this proposal like the Child Tax Credit bill did not pass. Despite the potential help from the Child Tax Credit Fitzmaurice noted that it alone is not enough to address the financial struggles of families. The United Way of Connecticut‘s 2023 ALICE Essentials index revealed that basic living costs increased by over 18% between 2021 and 2023. Fitzmaurice pointed out that the state’s tax policies also contribute to financial hardships. “Our state has one of the most regressive tax policies in the country where lower and middle-income people actually pay a much greater portion of their wages every year in state taxes than the highest earners in our state” he explained.
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Connecticut Families Demand Broader Reforms to Address Tax Inequities and Support Child Tax Credit – Check it Out! (PHOTO: Public News Service)
Report Calls for Policy Changes to Address Tax System Disparities
Furthermore, A report by Connecticut Voices for Children supports this view showing that the state’s tax system disproportionately benefits high-income and wealthy individuals. To address these disparities the report suggests policy changes such as eliminating regressive tax expenditures and increasing personal income tax rates for higher earners. In summary while the Child Tax Credit proposal has garnered support and highlighted the needs of families in Connecticut it is clear that broader measures are necessary to create a more equitable financial landscape. The petition by United Way of Connecticut aims to keep this conversation alive urging state legislators to consider comprehensive reforms that will provide lasting relief to struggling families.
READ ALSO: Government Offers Relief: $2,600 SSI Payments, $3,200 Gas Stimulus Checks, and $600-$750 State Tax Rebates for Low-Income Households!
