Congress must go bold on economic recovery

In response to President Joe Biden's new economic recovery proposal, I'm pleased he's included resources to increase the supply of affordable housing. However, without expanded rental assistance, low-income renters won't be able to afford such housing. Currently, only one in four eligible renters gets federal rental assistance due to inadequate funding. Congress should expand rental assistance to all eligible renters. This will keep them stably housed, prevent evictions, and prevent homelessness.

We must also make permanent recent improvements to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. These changes, which expire next year, will benefit 17 million low-wage workers and cut child poverty by 45 percent.

We can create an economy where workers are protected, families are stably housed, and children are allowed to thrive. In upcoming economic recovery legislation, I urge our members of Congress to expand rental assistance to all who qualify and make the EITC and CTC changes permanent.

Marcelina Ceniceros

Iowa City