With 39% of Connecticut families living paycheck to paycheck, parents demand tax relief by signing the CT Child Tax Credit petition.
Imagine parents having the freedom to invest in their children’s future, without constantly worrying about paying for basic necessities. This financial stability is out of reach for the 39% of Connecticut families who are living paycheck to paycheck across every zip code. Meanwhile, our state budget is flourishing with new record-breaking four billion-dollar surpluses.
Last legislative session, United Way of Connecticut led the CT Child Tax Credit Coalition in advocating for a permanent, fully refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit – a proven solution that nationally lifted 16 million low-income children out of poverty in 2021, including 119,000 Connecticut children. Despite legislators proposing four bills with 47 co-sponsors, due to the fiscal controls, the General Assembly did not adjust the underlying budget for 2025. As a result, they could not adjust any policies related to taxation or revenue, including establishing a state Child Tax Credit.
With Connecticut the only high-cost-of-living state with a broad-based personal income tax that does not adjust for the number of children or child care expenses, Connecticut parents are struggling to afford what their kids need and are demanding tax relief. In fact, ahead of the 2025 legislative session, more than 500 have supported and signed a CT Child Tax Petition urging the Governor and General Assembly to enact a Connecticut Child Tax Credit that is fully refundable at $600 per child.
A grandmother from Danielson shares, “I have a grandchild and I see how her parents are struggling with mortgage, taxes, utilities and food. Everything is going up but the paychecks.”
“It’s time to close this gap with a CT Child Tax Credit. Putting money back into families’ hands is a proven solution, giving parents the flexibility to buy what their children need most,” says Daniel Fitzmaurice, Director of Advocacy for United Way of Connecticut. “This spending also boosts our economy and state budget – it’s a win-win. I encourage everyone to sign the petition to tell your elected leaders that you support the CT Child Tax Credit.”
To learn more about the CT Child Tax Credit or to sign the petition, visit ctunitedway.org/petition
