Fight poverty by offering tax credits for kids, rent

Published 1:30 am Sunday, March 26, 2023

Sad to read about millions of Americans trapped in poverty, in “the richest nation on earth” (“Why are so many Americans poor? Because we allow it, 2 books argue.” by Timothy Noah in the March 16 Daily Herald).

Raising the minimum wage makes sense, especially connecting it to inflation. Those making up the top 20 percent of wealth in American getting 50 percent of the tax deductions and credits does not make sense.

Why not renew the expanded Child Tax Credit and make it permanent? After all, it was proven to cut child poverty nearly in half. And how about a tax credit for low income renters, so they no longer pay over 30 percent, some over 50 pecent, of their income for rent. We help home owners with tax deductions; why not renters? Why does this curse of poverty continue? There is a lack of political will to turn it around.

We can change that by speaking up to our members of Congress, demanding they legislate these and other initiatives to give all Americans the opportunity to provide for their basic needs. Our continued calls, letters and follow-up can make the difference.

Willie Dickerson

Snohomish