Michael Hiltzik: The blockade of Build Back Better means millions more children condemned to poverty
When it comes to anti-poverty programs, the U.S. seems to have developed the unique skill of cutting off benefits just as they've shown their value.
The latest example is the Child Tax Credit. Part of the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package signed by President Joe Biden last March, the credit had the capacity to truly transform the economics of family life in America.
The program was designed to deliver $3,000 per child ($3,600 for children 5 and under) to the vast majority of families over the following year. Half the amount was paid in monthly installments from July through December at the rate of up to $250 per child aged 6 to 17 and up to $300 per child under age 6.
The credit is fully refundable, meaning that households are entitled to it even if they owe no federal income tax. The credit phases out
