WASHINGTON, D.C. : The US Census Bureau released new data today revealing that child poverty saw a slight increase in 2023 of 1.3 points to 13.7% –  a stark regression from the historic low achieved in 2021 when the expanded Child Tax Credit cut child poverty nearly in half, underscoring the urgent need to reinstate and make permanent this proven, effective policy. Notably, the rate of child poverty increased for Asian, Latine, and Black children, while white children remained at the same poverty rate, widening entrenched disparities. In a sign of its broad bipartisan support with the American people, the Child Tax Credit is being touted by both presidential campaigns as a priority. While the House overwhelmingly passed legislation to expand the Child Tax Credit earlier this year, the Senate failed to follow suit. Leaders from Economic Security Project are available to discuss the data, the implications of failing to extend the expanded Child Tax Credit, and the effectiveness of direct cash support for families. 

“This new data confirms what many of us have known: without the expanded Child Tax Credit, the dramatic progress we made moving children out of poverty in 2021 is completely lost. The facts speak for themselves: millions of children are going to bed hungry and parents can’t access basic needs like groceries, gas, and prescription drugs, all because polarized politicians have failed to keep this historically effective program going,” said Adam Ruben, Vice President of Campaigns and Political Strategy at Economic Security Project. “For the over 40 million Americans facing poverty and food insecurity, we know that direct cash like the expanded Child Tax Credit allows them to keep food on the table and pay rent, but our leaders have chosen not to help. Congress is failing our children by choosing not to permanently expand this vital program that has broad bipartisan support and that we know works to reduce child poverty. Congress has the policy written, the proof that it works, and can easily act now to expand the Child Tax Credit which would give American families the freedom to not just get by, but get ahead. What’s the holdup?”