Policy Agenda

As financial hardship rises across Connecticut and instability from Washington spreads, the storm is hitting ALICE families first and hardest. They’re feeling the squeeze of rising costs, stagnant wages and a cooling economy, without the protection they need to weather it. And without strong support, they risk falling even further behind.

Connecticut United Ways are committed to building a brighter future with and for ALICE families. During the 2026 legislative session, we will work tirelessly alongside community partners to:

• Establish a fully refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit
• Invest in 211 to meet increasing demand

Establish a Fully Refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit

• Returning money to families enables them to buy essential items for their children that other programs don’t cover.
• A fully refundable CT Child Tax Credit of $600 per child benefits 550,000 children and 75% of families. (Eligibility: up to $100,000 annual income for a single filer, $200,000 for joint filers)
• A 100% refundable credit means that families who do not have a tax liability would receive the full value of the credit.
• Families spend these tax credits right away, boosting local businesses and the state economy.
• Estimated cost of the child tax credit for up to three children: $300 million per year. (Exact family benefits and total policy cost depends on income phaseout schedule)