Jorge Cabrera

Senator Cabrera Introduces Legislation Establishing a Permanent Child Tax Credit

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) introduced a piece of legislation aimed at, and proven to, provide much-needed financial assistance to parents across the state. The senator introduced Senate Bill (SB) 352: An Act Establishing a Child Tax Credit Against the Personal Income Tax. Sen. Cabrera said due to rising costs, a permanent child tax credit for parents is a necessity.

“I’ve heard from so many hard-working parents, some working multiple jobs, about how challenging it has become to provide for their children, due to inflation and other factors that have driven up the costs of essential goods,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The child tax credit that I voted for in the budget during last year’s legislative session did provide a measure of relief, however I believe we can do even more to support Connecticut families and keep that support permanent. I look forward to working with my colleagues to reach an agreement that provides meaningful assistance to working families in our state.”

SB 352 was referred to a joint committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding on Jan. 18. Establishing a permanent child tax credit has been a topic of discussion since the temporary child tax credit of $250 per child in 2022 took effect. Last December, the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee received positive feedback on the tax credit from residents across the state during an informational hearing. During the hearing, Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton said the temporary tax credit impacted roughly 353,000 children across the state. The child tax credit has been a resounding success nationwide as well. According to a Jan. 18 article from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), “the 2021 federal expansion of the CTC resulted in 2.1 million fewer children living in poverty during the year in which it was in effect.” What’s more, “states can reduce child poverty by up to 50 percent within their borders if they adopt and, in some cases, enhance their CTCs (child tax credit),” according to the ITEP article. As for Sen. Cabrera’s proposed child tax credit bill, it will be discussed and debated in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee at a date to be announced.