Poverty and Income
Extending Child Tax Credit Improvements Would Help Poor Working Families
If Congress fails to extend the child tax credit expansions in the Recovery Act, most likely as part of expected legislation to make the so-called “middle class tax cuts” permanent, millions of low-income working families with children will lose much or all of their child tax credit and will fall into — or deeper into — poverty. Read more
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The poverty line, the federal government’s estimate of the minimum income needed to achieve an adequate standard of living, is $21,200 for a family of four in 2008. The federal minimum wage is currently $6.55 per hour, though many states (and some municipalities) have set their own minimum wages at a higher level.
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The Center analyzes major economic developments affecting low- and moderate-income Americans, including trends in poverty, income inequality, and the working poor. In addition, we analyze the asset rules in various public benefit programs that can discourage low-income people from building modest savings and highlight potential reforms.
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Failure to Extend Improvements in Child Tax Credit Would Harm Millions of Low-Income Working Families
February 16, 2010
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Podcast: Poverty and the Recovery Act
January 12, 2010
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State-Level Data Show Recovery Act Protecting Millions From Poverty
December 17, 2009
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Testimony: LaDonna Pavetti, Director of Welfare Reform and Income Support, on the Impact of the Recession and the Recovery Act on Social Safety Net Programs
December 9, 2009
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Policy Basics: The Earned Income Tax Credit
Updated December 4, 2009
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