Press Release
Leader Evans, Illinois Moms Rally to Urge Springfield to Create State Child Tax Credit
03. 20. 2023
Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. spoke alongside advocates and Illinois mothers during national “Moms Deserve the Credit” week of action.
Chicago, IL – Today, Illinois mothers and community advocates joined the Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Labor & Commerce Committee Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. to celebrate Women’s History Month and advocate for the General Assembly to create an Illinois Child Tax Credit, which has the power to transform the lives of women and families living across the state.
Advocates and neighbors gathered at the Bronzeville Children’s Museum – the nation’s only children’s museum dedicated to teaching Black history to kids. The event featured remarks from members of the Illinois Cost-Of-Living Refund Coalition, who stressed the importance of direct cash policies for affording the increasing prices of food, gas, and rent.
“More money to women and families is the best investment the state can make, because moms know best what their kids need,” said Illinois Assistant House Majority Leader Rep. Marcus Evans Jr. “My proposed Child Tax Credit would give eligible low-and middle-income Illinois families a $700 tax credit for each child under the age of 17. It picks up where the federal government left off, and puts money in mothers’ pockets when they need it most.”
Representative Evans is the chief sponsor of a bill in Springfield, HB3950, which would create a $700 per child state Child Tax Credit. The credit would be available to families who earn below median income, and have children under 17 or disabled dependents. Importantly, the policy does not discriminate based on family choice or citizenship status: families file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) would be eligible, as would caregivers who earn zero income. The coalition has been actively engaged in advocacy efforts in Springfield to pass the policy as part of the state’s budget.
“I was thrilled to learn about this Child Tax Credit policy – $700 for each of my kids could go far,” said Rosalia Salgado, an Illinois mom of two who is a member of the Cost-of-Living Refund Coalition and a parent leader with Community Organizing and Family Issues. “But it’s not just about me, this is about my community. We need a Child Tax Credit. There’s a stigma around immigrants in this country, we don’t get our fair share even though we work very hard. […] If moms like me could get more back from the tax system we’re paying into, we would be more likely to file taxes and it would encourage financial independence.”
Rosalia Salgado was joined by other Illinois moms, including speakers Araceli Brizar, Krystal Peters, Ayana Clark, Maricela Estrada, in addition to neighbors and members of the Illinois Cost-Of-Living Refund Coalition. The organizations advocating for an Illinois Child Tax Credit present at today’s event include:
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
- Centro De Trabajadores Unidos: United Workers’ Center
- Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI)
- Economic Security for Illinois, an affiliate of Economic Security Project
- LIFT- Chicago
- Young Invincibles
- Workers Center for Racial Justice
- Children’s Home and Aid
- Hispanic Federation
- UpTogether
- United Way of Illinois
The rally was part of the “Moms Deserve the Credit”’ coordinated week of action, where women and advocates are gathering across the country to make it clear that governors and state legislatures can provide needed support for families via tax credit policies.
For more information or for media inquiries, contact Jenna Severson at [email protected].