Rise Up Kansas

From our own @john_c_wilson in the @KansasReflector: "We’re standing on the edge of a transformational moment, not just in Kansas, but in all of the United States." kansasreflector.com/2021/08/03/exp… #ksleg

Child Tax Credit Expansion Acknowledges There is More We Can Do for Children itep.org/ctc-expansion-…

#GreatReads from @annabahney: #Housing has become so expensive in the US that the typical minimum wage worker cannot afford rent, according to @NLIHC. There is no state, county or city where a full-time, minimum-wage worker can afford a 2-bedroom. edition.cnn.com/2021/07/15/hom…

The expanded #ChildTaxCredit offers families monthly payments of $300 per child under age 6 and $250 per child ages 6-17. But the program will end Dec. 31 if Congress doesn't take action! Here's an opportunity to make your voice heard for Kansas kids and families.

This morning, we joined @RepDavids to talk about the expanded #ChildTaxCredit. Policies like this support children and families, and inspire entire communities to thrive.

Lifting up this #greatread from @JasonDeParle: "Experts estimate the payments will cut child poverty by nearly half, an achievement with no precedent." nytimes.com/2021/07/12/us/…

Our team is growing! We're looking for a Director of Network Engagement and a Food Security Policy Advisor. To learn more and apply, visit kac.org/we_re_hiring #ksleg

Happy Fiscal New Year to those who celebrate! 🎉 #KSleg #KSed

After a challenging #ksleg session, @AdrienneOlejnik of @KansasAction says Kansas children’s advocates can look to better policies in the 2022 Legislature. buff.ly/3wyBMRG via @KansasReflector buff.ly/3zyEnwM

What a week for investigative tax reporting. First the @propublica blockbuster and now @jessedrucker @dannyhakim with a must, must-read. A few observations on IRS enforcement in a thread to follow. nyti.ms/2U1qQxv

Extensive research shows that expanding Medicaid coverage to more adults can also lower the rate of uninsured children. loom.ly/BvrOrcU #ksleg

Parents and caregivers can’t go back to work, grow our economy, and build better lives for their families unless they know their loved ones are safe and cared for. #CareEconomy #ksleg

This week we focused on #poverty & #inequality, the #economy, state #budgets & #taxes, federal taxes, #SocialSecurity, food assistance, & #housing. cbpp.org/blog/in-case-y…

A note for those in Kansas who might be concerned about worker availability. State residents shouldn't be forced to choose between unemployment and poverty. #ksleg

Increasing the minimum wage to $15 would positively affect more than 450,000 Kansas workers and bring more applicants into the job market. (5/5) #ksleg

Finally, it’s disgraceful that Kansas still has a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. That does not meet the basic cost of living, and Kansans shouldn’t have to choose between unemployment or poverty. (4/5) #ksleg

The availability and affordability of early learning programs is also a serious hurdle. Nationally, 1 in 6 jobs in the child care sector were lost during the pandemic. Temporary assistance isn’t the answer. We need long term investment to support working families. (3/5) #ksleg

With COVID-19 still circulating widely, hesitation to return to jobs requiring contact with potentially unvaccinated people is understandable. Families with children must also grapple with the fact that those under the age of 12 can’t yet be vaccinated. (2/5) #ksleg

Unemployed Kansans face daunting obstacles, but we don’t believe enhanced unemployment benefits are among them. Leaders should focus on actual barriers that keep people out of the job market. For example, many are worried about health and safety risks in a pandemic. (1/5) #ksleg

As this #TaxDay draws to a close, remember: Revenue pays for the resources and tools we use to create thriving, equitable communities. Now more than ever, resources like education and health care will allow us to build an economic recovery that extends to every Kansan. #ksleg