Many Alaskans are in desperate need as our current economic changes and many programs designed to help those in financial need are being terminated. Please ask Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congresswoman Mary Peltola, to help enact immediate changes that would make a huge difference.
First, expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC). In 2021, the expanded CTC gave families with low incomes a financial breather and helped cut child poverty by 46%. Frustratingly, Congress did not extend it past one year. Second, enact a Renter Tax Credit (RTC). Rental costs are skyrocketing. Today, 19 million American renters are “rent-burdened” — paying more than 30% of their total income for housing.
The RTC would provide these households with a refundable tax credit to help make rent more affordable. Additionally, we have a significant number of military families who are also impacted by these programs. On a national level, nearly 5 million children of military families are also affected by these program changes.
— John M. Kennish
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.