2025 U.S. Poverty Laser Talks

Congress: Protect U.S. anti-poverty programs in FY26 budget

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Engage: I am concerned that our slowing economy and the impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) will force millions more Americans into poverty.

Problem: When implemented, OBBBA will cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for 4 million children. It will also force 15 million people off their health insurance through Medicaid. 

Inform: The FY26 budget is an opportunity to say “enough is enough.” Congress must protect American workers and families. Congress must demand full funding for the Housing Choice Voucher Program as well as other essential anti-poverty programs. Congress should also use the budget to reverse or delay the start of the disastrous OBBBA cuts. Finally, any budget must have safeguards in place to avoid illegal impoundments and partisan rescissions.

Call to Action: OBBBA is bad policy that will hurt millions. Congress must not make it worse by cutting vital services in the FY26 budget. Will you insist that vital anti-poverty programs are fully funded in the FY26 budget? Will you also push for budget language that ensures funding is spent as intended by Congress? 

Congress: Improve the Child Tax Credit (CTC)

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Engage: The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act passed by Congress in July 2025 missed a crucial opportunity to protect children from poverty.  

Problem: Congress declined to help 16 million children in families with low wages by expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Inform: Congress must fix this discrepancy as soon as possible. Here’s how:

1. Change the “phase-in” of the CTC so it is available to more families who are paid the lowest wages.
2. Narrow the widening gap between families who get the full credit and those who don’t.
3. Remove the CTC refundability cap. Many parents working in low-wage jobs have low tax liability. Removing the “refundability cap” would allow them to receive the full benefit of the CTC.
4. Family expenses typically come due on a monthly basis; we should pay the credit monthly as well.

Call to action: Investing in our families and workforce is the best way to achieve our shared goal of healthy and prosperous communities. In any tax legislation this year, will you support these much-needed improvements to the CTC?