Letter: Urge Congress to expand child tax credit, support child nutrition in the Farm Bill

To the Editor:

The April 30 article “Tennessee legislature ends: What lawmakers did and didn’t do in 2024,” lists several bills passed and opportunities lost. It states that while legislation “includes $1.9 billion in franchise tax breaks for businesses, it does not include funding for a [traditional monthlong] grocery tax holiday for Tennessee families” nor does it “make meals at public schools free for all children.”

What can the United States Congress do to make policies more equitable? The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would expand the Child Tax Credit allowing low-income families to get the full $2,000 credit for all their children. It is estimated 385,000 Tennessee children would benefit. Families could pay for rent, food, school supplies and more.

Also, Congress’ five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill should ensure that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is not cut. Removing harmful work requirements would expand critical nutrition benefits to older Americans, formerly incarcerated people, and many low-income Americans.

Let’s urge Congress to support SNAP in the Farm Bill and tell our senators to stop stalling and pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act now. These policies will positively impact fellow Tennesseans most in need.

Anne Child

Oak Ridge

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Letter: Support tax credit, child nutrition in the Farm Bill