As Congress turns to the task of crafting the Build Back Better recovery legislation, I urge you to ensure that the bill includes measures to ensure a robust and equitable economic recovery, addressing continued hardship for millions of families and workers.

Our nation faces an historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a stronger, more equitable economy. But it will be a missed opportunity for the people of Arizona—especially families with children and workers who are struggling to make ends meet -- if it does not include the following critical elements:

A permanent extension of the expanded child tax credit (CTC). We must ensure that poor children and children of low-paid workers in our state don’t receive any less than other children. In Arizona, 692,000 children previously left out of the full CTC would benefit from a permanent expansion, including 39,000 Black children, 407,000 Latino children, and 8,000 Asian children.

A permanent EITC expansion for adults not raising children. This is the only group that the federal tax code actually taxed into or deeper into poverty before the American Rescue Plan took effect. The credit is far too low, and younger and older low-paid workers are shut out of this important work support. 385,200 workers in Arizona would benefit each year from a permanent EITC expansion, including 22,700 Black workers, 130,900 Latino workers, and 10,800 Asian workers.

Subsidized jobs, which are a proven way to help people who struggle to enter the labor market even when the economy is strong, due to barriers such as hiring discrimination, limited formal education, or a criminal record. Recovery funds dedicated to workforce development should incorporate at least the $4 billion for subsidized jobs in President Biden’s budget.

Childcare and paid leave, as proposed by the President, so that no worker in Arizona has to worry about whether they can hold down a job and still take care of their family.

For any new programs or programmatic expansions requiring state cooperation and funding, permanent funding is essential. To help fund these investments and bring greater equity to our tax code, Congress should make sure that wealthy households and corporations pay their fair share. This gross inequity in our tax system must end. Two-thirds (65%) of Arizona voters support President Biden’s American Families Plan, and 68% see his proposals to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations as a strong reason to support it. You have a mandate from the people of Arizona to get this bill passed and paid for – we are in desperate times that call upon everyone to pay their fair share.



Sincerely,

A Concerned Arizona Voter