PolicyEngine’s new study reveals the impact of the policy, which builds on the success of the American Rescue Plan.
At Mother’s Outreach Network (MON), we believe in the power of transformative policy to uplift and empower Black mothers and their families. One such policy currently under consideration is the District Child Tax Credit Amendment Act of 2023, introduced by DC Councilmember Zachary Parker, a proposed tax credit that could provide significant financial relief to families in the District of Columbia. This legislation follows the positive impact of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Child Tax Credit (CTC) expansion, which cut child poverty by over 30% nationwide in 2021. MON is proud to have partnered with and supported the creation of a new study that evaluates the impact of this proposal. While we support this legislation, we urge the DC Council to pass it quickly and amend the legislation to begin sooner than 2026, so that the benefits reach those who need them most without further delay.
Research Findings
The recent MON-supported study by PolicyEngine analyzed the proposed District Child Tax Credit (DCTC) and its potential impacts on families in DC. The study estimated that if fully adopted, the DCTC would cost about $27 million, reach 20% of the DC population, reduce child poverty by approximately 5%, and decrease income inequality by 0.1-0.2%.
The DCTC’s design, which features a gradual phase-out structure and relies on fewer household characteristic dependencies, sets it apart from other DC programs and may contribute to mitigating welfare cliffs. This is crucial for Black mothers and their families, as they often face multiple barriers in accessing resources and support.
Call to Action
As advocates for the inclusion and empowerment of Black mothers, MON strongly supports the District Child Tax Credit Amendment Act of 2023, introduced by Councilmember Zachary Parker. We believe that the potential benefits of this legislation, as revealed in our new study, including reduced child poverty and income inequality, align with our mission to transform government income and child welfare laws, policies, and practices. Furthermore, the success of the American Rescue Plan Act’s CTC expansion serves as a strong foundation for the DCTC to build upon.
We call on the DC Council to pass the District Child Tax Credit Amendment Act swiftly and amend it to begin implementation sooner than 2026. The need for financial relief among Black mothers and their families is urgent, and any delay in the enactment of this legislation will only prolong their struggle.
Furthermore, we encourage our community members and partners to join us in advocating for the passage and expediting of this crucial legislation. Together, we can create a better future for Black mothers and their families in the District of Columbia.
Conclusion
The District Child Tax Credit Amendment Act, introduced by Councilmember Zachary Parker, has the potential to create meaningful change for Black mothers and their families in DC, as demonstrated by the new MON-funded study. By passing and expediting this legislation, the DC Council can demonstrate its commitment to advancing the inclusion and empowerment of Black mothers in the struggle for family preservation. Building on the positive impact of the American Rescue Plan Act’s CTC expansion, let us unite in our efforts to transform policies and practices that uplift and support our communities.
