PHILADELPHIA – Child poverty is rising again now that the federal child tax credit – which had been extended to help families endure the coronavirus pandemic – has expired, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey told a panel of experts Tuesday.
Casey, (D-Pa.), was part of a panel discussion looking at childcare and the needs of children in light of ongoing inflation and other issues. Presented by the non-profit group Cradles to Crayons, the event was intended to help outline issues parents face now that the tax credit has expired.
- Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey has co-sponsored a bill that would provide $200 million a year for infant health and hygiene supplies
- The non-profit group Cradles to Crayons claims family need for diapers grew 300% since 2020
- As much as 40% of American families have had trouble affording basic needs, claims Cradles to Crayons
“No one – no matter what age you are, even a very small child – there’s no way you could exist and have the kind of quality of life that you would hope anyone would have, if your diapers aren’t being changed,” Casey said.
The senator noted that, while that tax credit was in place, child poverty decreased by nearly half.
“Diaper need doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a family’s ability to cover all of their basic needs.”<br/>Lynn Margherio, chief executive officer of Cradles to Crayons
“The problem is, when it was lifted in 2022, that child poverty rate started going back up again,” Casey said.
Casey co-sponsored the End Diaper Need Act, which would provide $200 million a year, for three years, dedicated to help cover the costs of supplies that ensure the health and hygiene of newborns and children of low-income families, as well as adults with disabilities.
During the day’s event, participants detailed the real need for diapers and children’s supplies – especially as families across the country are still reeling from a baby formula shortage caused by contamination and supply-chain issues.
“Diaper need doesn’t exist in a vacuum,” said Lynn Margherio, chief executive officer of Cradles to Crayons. “It’s part of a family’s ability to cover all of their basic needs.”
Margherio argued that as much as 40% of households throughout the country have reportedly had issues affording basic needs for their children.
In fact, according to research done by Cradles to Crayons, since March 2020, the non-profit group has seen families’ need for diapers increase more than 300%.
