During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal Stimulus checks dramatically reduced childhood poverty and helped families survive economically difficult times.
Representative Ilhan Omar is a member of The Squad, a powerful group of progressive young legislators. In a recent Star Tribune editorial, she argued in favor of several stimulus programs that would give much-needed money to the majority of Americans.
Stimulus check eligibility for Child tax credit expansion
Omar’s opinion piece was motivated by proposals in her home state of Minnesota that aim to assist working families.
These Minnesota proposals include an expansion of the Child Tax Credit, which would provide $1,000 per child to families earning less than $50,000. Omar stated, in support of the proposal, that this type of action should be taken at the federal level and not by the states.
Omar went on to describe two specific federal initiatives she would support.
One is the restoration of the child tax credit expansion. The expanded credit was created by the most recent COVID-19 stimulus bill, which was passed shortly after the inauguration of President Joe Biden.
It offered parents of children under age 6 a $3,600 annual credit and parents of children aged 6 to 17 a $3,000 annual credit. These credits were partially distributed throughout the year in the form of $250 or $300 monthly payments.
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Will these proposals be passed into law?
Omar is not the only left-leaning lawmaker who wants the Child Tax Credit to be re-expanded or who wants regular payments to provide a universal basic income. However, there is no majority support for these proposals at this time. With the current Congress, neither scenario seems likely.
However, as long as individuals like Omar continue to advocate for these changes, it is possible that additional stimulus aid will be provided in the future, particularly if Congress shifts to the left as more young progressive candidates running for office.
So, despite the fact that these proposals to restore and expand stimulus funds are unlikely to be passed in the near future, As the discussion of additional aid continues, those anticipating another check have reason to believe that they aren’t off the table.
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