Right now, the Oregon legislature is considering a bill that would establish the Oregon Kids’ Credit. This state child tax credit would put money in the pockets of the families with the fewest resources, helping them cover the rent, pay for food and other essentials. The need for a state child tax credit became all the more urgent after Congress failed to renew the enhanced federal child tax credit that did so much to reduce poverty in our nation in 2021.

We discuss the Oregon Kids’ Credit proposal with two of its champions, State Representative Andrea Valderrama and State Representative Lisa Reynolds.

But first we look at how the enhanced federal child tax credit made a crucial difference in the life of one family in Oregon.