Ohio lawmakers are considering a proposal that would implement a statewide refundable child tax credit. Regional food banks say the bill would help more families meet basic needs and reduce strain on local food pantries struggling to meet demand amid persistent inflation.
Sarah Kuhns, advocacy and engagement manager with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, said eight in 10 Ohioans are relying on food banks because of high prices, and are being forced to choose between groceries and paying for such basic needs as utilities, medication and transportation.
She added tax credits have proved to be effective for helping families reach financial stability.
"We saw during 2021, when the federal child tax credit was being paid out monthly to families, we saw a decrease in the number of households with children that we were seeing in our lines," Kuhns explained.
According to data from the Economic Policy Institute, federal child tax credit payments reduced child poverty to the lowest level on record, impacting more than three million kids nationwide.
The Thriving Families Tax Credit was introduced last fall by Rep. Casey Weinstein, D-Hudson and Rep. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown. It would provide a benefit of up to $1,000 per child for kids younger than 5, and up to $500 for children ages 6 to 17. Families earning less than $65,000 annually would qualify for the full benefit amount.
Kuhns said households of color and those from marginalized communities have been hardest hit by inflation.
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