Washington, D.C.— Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the much-anticipated Child Tax Credit (CTC): a lifeline to middle class families, which is estimated to cut child poverty in half. Nearly 95% of children in TX-28 will gain from the expanded Child Tax Credit, totaling 231,000 children. Additionally, 9,800 children will be lifted out of deep poverty. 

The expanded Child Tax Credit is projected to have life-changing effects on TX-28. Specifically:  

• The average benefit for 59,800 households is $3,700.  
• The expanded and improved Child Tax Credit lifts 23,400 children out of poverty.  
• Because of the more significant benefit for the youngest, 8,400 kids under the age of six are raised out of poverty.  
• Families with children in poverty will receive $6,100 on average.  

“The Child Tax Credit will help working families that faced incredible hardship throughout this pandemic. As a border member, my district was particularly impacted by the economic restrictions implemented at the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Families in Texas’s 28^th District need relief and I am hopeful these refunds will provide immediate assistance,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The expanded CTC reduces tedious paperwork and filing barriers that often discourage families from seeking aid. I hope Americans will see how crucial these payments are, and that Congress can come together to make these payments permanent.”

Earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan increased the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child for children over the age of six and $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of six. As of today, roughly $15 billion has been sent to 35.2 million families, reaching nearly 60 million children. 

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