MassInsider

Press Release: 2021-05-13

Assistant Speaker Clark Calls for Permanent Expansion of the Child Tax Credit:

May 12, 2021

94,300 Children in Massachusetts’ Fifth District will benefit from the expanded and improved CTC in the American Rescue Plan

MALDEN, MA – Today, Assistant Speaker Clark (MA-5) released new data collected by Co-Equal detailing the benefits of the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit (CTC) in the Fifth District and across the country. According to the data, 94,300 children in the Fifth District will receive the monthly CTC payment under the American Rescue Plan which will be released as early as this July.

“The Child Tax Credit helps working parents afford the essentials for their kids, whether that’s keeping a roof over their heads, food on their tables, or school supplies in their backpacks,” said Assistant Speaker Clark. “The American Rescue Plan invested billions in our nation’s recovery from the pandemic, and rightfully made families a centerpiece of that legislation. Now, we must make that expansion permanent and ensure that we don’t just come back from this crisis, but truly rebuild stronger, more equitable communities across Massachusetts and the country.”

Democrats expanded the child tax credit for 2021, increasing the amount of the credit from $2,000 to $3,000 and $3,600 for children under 6 years old. The law also made the credit refundable and available in periodic payments, instead of one lump sum. By expanding the Child Tax Credit to include lower-income families and provide monthly payments, the American Rescue Plan is helping families recover and also lifting 94,300 children in Massachusetts' Fifth District out of poverty and strengthening the middle class.

Assistant Speaker Clark is urging families to file their taxes before next week’s May 17th tax deadline to ensure they receive the accurate amount of new advance monthly Child Tax Credit payments they are entitled to as soon as possible. Families could receive up to $300 in monthly payments as early as July 2021.

Here is the data on the impact the expanded and improved CTC will have on each Congressional District. More information on Co-Equal’s methodology can be found here.