Families across Pennsylvania are facing rising costs for their most basic needs—housing, food, health care and child care. To ease this burden, we are planning to introduce a  refundable state child tax credit for families with children who are less than six years old. This proposal would create a refundable credit, and would include a phase-out for higher-income households to ensure that the most benefit will go to those with the most need.  
 

Research consistently shows that tax breaks for families with children reduce child poverty and improve economic stability; enhance child health, education and long-term outcomes; and support workforce participation by helping parents afford the costs of raising children.  
 

While we were able to implement a tax credit for child and dependent care in the last legislative session, there is still more that we can do to help Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania currently lacks a dedicated, state child tax credit, placing our families at a disadvantage compared to the 17 states that have already adopted similar policies. Supporting families is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future. A state child tax credit is a proven, effective policy that will strengthen our communities and promote economic opportunity for all.  
 

Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to deliver meaningful relief to Pennsylvania families.