Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Tuesday that tax breaks for families that were part of the recent COVID relief package will help cut child poverty in half. During a visit to Fulton, Schumer said it will put about $237 million into the pockets of central New York families.
Schumer went to Fulton, because almost of a third of the children in Oswego County live below the poverty level, one of the highest rates in the state. He said the expanded child tax credit, that’s part of the $1.9 trillion legislation, will mean $2,000 to $3,600 per child per family this year.
"That’s not going to make anyone rich, but it’s going to give families breathing room, so when the water’s up to their necks, it’s not going to go over their heads,” Schumer said.
Adrienne Richards and her daughter, Genevieve, joined Schumer at the Oswego County Opportunities office in Fulton. She said it will be a safety net for her.
“So It’s like, if something goes wrong with my car, I don’t have to panic and worry how am I going to pay for this. I have money in savings, and it’s really just a back up if anything goes wrong,” she said.
Schumer called the credit the most powerful and effective anti-poverty tool the federal government has.
“It is my hope we can make it permanent,” he said. “It would be an amazing change in America. It would be expensive, but well worth it. The dollars you invest in our children, always come back rewarding us in the future.”
