Low-income workers with wage fluctuations and immigrant families should not be used as political pawns during an election year. But that’s exactly what’s happening.
In the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act that was passed by the House of Representatives, a “lookback” provision that’s intended to help low-income wage earners with fluctuating incomes is at risk of being taken out of the Senate version.
Low-income families often experience temporary loss in wages―to care for a sick family member, welcome a new child, or because of layoffs or reduced hours―and this “lookback” provision is critical, because it allows them to qualify for a higher Child Tax Credit based on the previous year’s income.
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) is leading the charge to stall the bipartisan tax package and get rid of the “lookback” provision under the preposterous idea that it would incentivize parents to jump in and out of the workforce.
The Senate must act now to pass the House version of the expanded Child Tax Credit and send it to President Biden’s desk.