Support the financial well-being of families
Eliminate the state sales tax on diapers
One in two families struggle to afford this basic need, which keeps babies clean and healthy. Furthermore, young children cannot attend child care programs without diapers.
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Invest in TANF income support for family
TANF can ease financial stress and lift children out of poverty by helping families afford basic necessities. Policymakers can drastically improve TANF by increasing: monthly eligibility limits; the maximum TANF allotment; the lifetime benefit limit; and the asset limit (from $1,000 to $5,000). Currently, families must make less than minimum wage to meet both the eligibility limits and work requirements.
Ensure families with young children can access safe, stable, and affordable housing
Children under five are at the greatest risk of eviction, which can lead to instability during crucial years of development and carry long-term behavioral and health implications. Policymakers should prioritize young children and their families in receiving rental assistance and promote policies that ensure family health and safety and Iimit housing disruptions.
Enact a state child tax credit
In recent years, many states, including Oklahoma, North Carolina, and West Virginia, have introduced bipartisan legislation to enact or expand child tax credits, which bolster the economic security of families with low and middle incomes. Policymakers can employ a CTC to help families make ends meet now and help children thrive into the future.
