The release this week of the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual report on poverty brought alarming news: Child poverty in America has nearly tripled since 2021.
In the wealthiest nation in the world, no person – especially no child - should have to live in poverty. Period.
The dramatic rise in both the number of adults and children living in poverty over the last two years is a direct result of Congress’s failure to renew the expanded Child Tax Credit and other vital programs that support working families.
The chart below from policy analyst Stephen Semler illustrates the stark impact of that decision.
The expansion of the Child Tax Credit in 2021 was a historic success, slashing the rate of childhood poverty by nearly half. But when lawmakers failed to renew the policy the following year, poverty rates skyrocketed. It resulted in the largest increase in poverty in a single year.
“Put simply, these poverty numbers reflect a policy choice,” FCNL’s Amelia Kegan said last year. “Congress must choose to undo this damage.”
Last month, senators had an opportunity to do so when legislation that included an expansion of the Child Tax Credit came to the floor. Sadly, they once again failed to get it done.
While the vote was deeply disappointing, it is not the end. As poverty rates continue to rise, we are working hard to build more momentum to ensure lawmakers pass this critical legislation when the tax code is revisited by Congress in 2025.
As a nation, we have the resources and policy solutions needed to ensure that all people can live in dignity. That all children can thrive. That all families can meet their needs.
It is up to our lawmakers to choose whether next year’s Census Bureau report brings us closer or farther from that world we seek. We need your help to ensure they make the right choice.
Elsewhere
Israeli Killing of U.S. Citizen Sparks Calls for Accountability
This week, we joined lawmakers and partners across the country demanding an independent investigation and accountability for the killing of 26-year-old American peace activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
This killing is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader, disturbing pattern. The U.S. must act to hold the Israeli government accountable for the killing of U.S. citizens, as well as for the mass violence and human rights violations against Palestinians. Our leaders must not send a message of impunity by failing to act.
Haitian and Black Immigrants Face Surging Attacks
We are appalled by the surge in hateful rhetoric targeted at Haitian migrants fueled by false and offensive claims amplified this week by former President Donal Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance.
The scapegoating and dehumanization of migrants in our political discourse is unacceptable and must stop. This rhetoric is not just shameful, it is dangerous. Experts warn that this vitriol could lead to physical harm, loss of jobs, criminalization, and harmful mental health effects for Haitian and Black immigrants.
While the latest surge in attacks on Haitian and Black immigrants are deeply alarming, they are not new. In 2021, FCNL’s Anika Forest explained how decades of “inhumane immigration policies rooted in white supremacy” have been particularly targeted at Haitians.
Attend FCNL’s Annual Meeting and Quaker Public Policy Institute!
FCNL’s Annual Meeting and Quaker Public Policy Institute is coming up fast – Nov. 13-17. We hope you can join us in person or online as we gather with Friends from all around the country for fellowship, worship, and discernment.
We are excited to announce that author and activist George Lakey will be our keynote speaker! “Along with his long involvement in peace and justice movements, George is one of the most engaging speakers I’ve heard,” said Jane Hiles, a member of Birmingham Monthly Meeting who serves on our Annual Meeting Planning Committee.
