PENNSYLVANIA — Thanks to President Biden and Democrats — and no thanks to Republicans in Congress who unanimously opposed this relief plan — the expanded Child Tax Credit will provide additional relief of up to $1,800 per child over the next six months to the families of 2,368,000 children in Pennsylvania, helping lift 140,000 children out of poverty. Millions of working- and middle-class families are feeling relief knowing they will have more money in their pockets for paying bills, purchasing school supplies for their kids, and saving for the future.
Meet some of the Pennsylvanians benefitting from this tax cut:
- Ashley Comans, of Allegheny County says she is looking forward to having a safety net.
“It’s really important that these kind of things continue to happen, so we can support those who are most vulnerable.”
- Darlene Yanakos, who lives on Pittsburgh’s North Side, said she relied on a “hodgepodge” of childcare options during the pandemic without the expanded Child Tax Credit, even as she scaled back her hours to take care of her family.
“This direct aid is incredibly valuable – it’s going into the hands of parents who need it today,” said Yanakos, who hopes the credits will free her to return to being a “more contributing member of the paid workforce.”
“To get help with these expenses, it allows me to continue to work. I don’t have family in the area to rely on.”
- Deborah Eisenberg from McCandless, PA, has weathered the pandemic with a mishmash of childcare solutions, however as a small business owner she’s struggling to afford childcare and keep business afloat. The CTC will help her pay for that childcare.
“I’m excited about the childcare tax credit because it helps us pay for babysitters and for camp for our older daughter,” Ms. Eisenberg said.
- Tara Tomlinson a single mother of two from Camp Hill, PA said the expanded CTC will help her make ends meet.
“This is huge for me,” she said. “I am happy with just getting a little cushion to be able to provide the essentials.”
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