NEWS
POVERTY RATES INCREASED SHARPLY IN CALIFORNIA. HERE’S WHO WAS HURT THE MOST
Sacramento Bee
Poverty has increased dramatically in California and the nation, a surge that new studies attribute to the expiration of pandemic-era federal relief programs such as the expanded Child Tax Credit. The spike has been particularly steep among Black and Latino Californians and children across all ethnicities. Researchers found 16.4% of Californians were living in poverty last year, up from 11% in 2021. The rate of child poverty more than doubled last year.
CALIFORNIANS IN EVERY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT BENEFIT FROM CALEITC
California Budget & Policy Center
Every Californian deserves to be able to put food on the table, pay the rent, and support their families. But millions of people across California struggle to make ends meet every day. Although inflation has slowed in recent months, the cost of basic needs like food and housing remain high and continue to strain family budgets.
A THIRD OF CALIFORNIA FAMILIES DON’T EARN ENOUGH TO AFFORD BASIC NEEDS, UNITED WAY FINDS
Sacramento Bee
Add "More than one-third of California families don’t have enough money to meet their basic needs, according to a newly released study from the United Ways of California. Black and Latino families, immigrant-led households, parents with lower educational attainment and families led by single mothers all struggle disproportionately.
LESS THAN 2% OF STATE TAX BREAKS GO TO CALIFORNIANS WITH LOW INCOMES
California Budget & Policy Center
California’s three refundable tax credits — the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), the Young Child Tax Credit, and the Foster Youth Tax Credit — are the only credits that benefit people with very low incomes.
Yet, these credits make up less than 2% of the nearly $80 billion total cost of state tax breaks for individuals and businesses. Many of these other tax breaks largely benefit high-income individuals and profitable corporations.
Everyone deserves an opportunity to achieve economic security. State leaders can make the tax system more fair by expanding credits that reach Californians with low incomes.