Child Tax Credit offers welcome relief

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the Child Tax Credit has been increased, and millions of families will receive half their credit as monthly checks of up to $300 per child.

Although an empty-nester, I welcome the news for personal reasons.

Growing up in postwar Britain, I benefited from the Family Allowance Act of 1945. Aimed at alleviating hunger and keeping children in school, weekly payments were made directly to mothers. I remember mine cashing her vouchers — worth 18 shillings (about $2.50) — and thankfully slipping the coins into her purse.

Owing to inflation, this sounds a meager amount, but it was money my mother could rely upon to put food in our bellies or shoes on our feet, easing her anxiety enormously.

Although debate on the Family Allowance Act was contentious, it was signed into law under Winston Churchill’s Conservative government and later expanded by another Conservative government. Today, we must thank Democrats for the American Rescue Plan, which received no Republican votes.

I imagine that, on July 15, parents nationwide will breathe an appreciative sigh as they head to the grocery store, CTC cash in hand, feeling as relieved and grateful as my mother did years ago.

Charlotte Fairlie

Iowa City