Dear friend,  

If you have children under the age of 18, you may begin to receive monthly payments from the IRS under the expanded child tax credit from the American Rescue Plan. For the next 12 months, qualifying parents will receive monthly checks up to $300 for each child ages zero through five and $250 for each child ages six through seventeen. Click here to see if you are eligible and make sure your payment information is up to date. If you have any questions about the child tax credit payments, please call my office at (203)333-6600. 

According to Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy, the expanded child tax credit can cut child poverty nearly in half nationwide by providing payments to help parents with day-to-day expenses like gas, health care, groceries, diapers, and more. Children cannot succeed in school unless they have enough to eat, a consistent place to live, and medical care when they’re sick or hurt. A child born in Connecticut should be able to reach their full potential regardless of their family's income.  

Over 60% of children in Southwest Connecticut will benefit from the expanded tax credit, that’s over 102,000 children. 8,000 children in our community will be lifted out of poverty, including 2,600 children under the age of six. To learn more about how the American Rescue Plan is helping Connecticut families, businesses, workers click here.  

Sincerely, 

Jim