Cash Aid to Poor Mothers Increases Brain Activity in Babies. Reinstate the CTC!

An article in the New York Times revealed that, according to new research, cash stipends for poor mothers change their babies’ brain activity in ways associated with higher cognitive skills. If you happened to miss it, it’s here: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/us/politics/child-tax-credit-brain-function.html Evidence that a single year of subsidies could alter something as profound as brain functioning highlights the role that money may play in child development and is, in my opinion, a pretty strong argument for reviving the expanded child tax credit. We already know this money did huge amounts of good, and that without it millions of children will suffer real, measurable harm. But we now know that babies will fare more poorly cognitively as well. How is this good for anyone? The expanded Child Tax Credit was an amazing success. Please reinstate it as soon as possible. The children—and babies—of America are relying on you. Thanks.

▶ First sent on January 25, 2022 by Jessica