Poll: Most Voters Want the Next President and Congress to Do More to Reduce Child Poverty

By Kate Skochdopole

A poll released yesterday by the Children’s Leadership Council finds Americans are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who will make reducing child poverty a priority.

The poll also found that 63 percent of Americans – regardless of party affiliation – want Congress to increase funding for programs designed to help children and families make ends meet. Although the researchers did not ask participants about their support for particular anti-poverty programs, respondents said they favor policies that support education, health and nutrition.

elections_updatedTax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) not only help to reduce child poverty but are linked to improved health and educational outcomes among children in households that receive the credits. While there is already bipartisan support for the EITC in Congress, presumptive presidential candidates Hillary Clinton (D) and Donald Trump (R) have yet to release concrete plans for tax credits for working families, and it is unclear how they would utilize the program if elected.

TCWF has reached out to both the Trump and Clinton campaigns for answers about their policy proposals on tax credits for working families. Neither responded to our requests, although the Clinton campaign has hinted at including either an expanded Child and Dependent Care Credit or similar program as part of its policy agenda. As the conventions draw closer and the campaign season continues, follow @TaxCreditsWF on Twitter for updates on the candidates and their plans to reduce poverty.