Support the Build Back Better Act (Senate)

Center for Civil Rights and Technology Resources, Economic Justice Resources, Education Resources, Health Care Resources, Immigrant Rights Resources 12.17.21

View a PDF of this letter here.

December 17, 2021

SUPPORT THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT

Dear Senator,

On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 230 national organizations committed to promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States, we write in support of the Build Back Better Act and urge the Senate to move quickly to pass this historic legislation as soon as possible.

The Build Back Better Act will advance racial equity and make a profound difference in many lives, especially families that have been receiving monthly child tax credit payments. Absent swift action in the Senate, the historic reduction in child poverty accomplished this year is at risk. Nearly 10 million children, more than half of whom are Black and Latino, could slip back below the poverty line or deeper into poverty.[1] Among its far-reaching investments, this bill would:

  • Extend the expanded child tax credit, set to expire at the end of this year, make it permanently refundable, and ensure that all types of families can benefit from it.
  • Provide access to health care for several million low-income people living in states that refused to expand Medicaid.
  • Expand access to preschool and high-quality child care, and retain core nondiscrimination protections.
  • Provide for up to four weeks of paid family and medical leave.
  • Boost college affordability and support historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions.
  • Support programs that increase access to affordable housing.
  • Invest in home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Strengthen the Federal Trade Commission’s ability and capacity to address discriminatory and abusive data practices.
  • Give millions of immigrants long-term stability.

The Senate must move expeditiously to pass this bill. Please reach out to Josh Boxerman, policy analyst, at [email protected] with any questions.

Sincerely,

Wade Henderson
Interim President and CEO

Jesselyn McCurdy
Executive Vice President of Government Affairs

[1] https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-tax/if-congress-fails-to-act-monthly-child-tax-credit-payments-will-stop-child