Overview: Members of Congress returned to their home states and districts this week. When the Senate reconvenes in early June, it will take up the Reconciliation Bill passed by the House on May 22.
While the House bill includes improvements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, CCUSA remains concerned with provisions in the reconciliation proposal that would result in low-income and vulnerable people losing Medicaid and SNAP benefits. CCUSA will continue to advocate for continued access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits as well as reforms to the LIHTC that increase the development of affordable housing and a full expansion of the Child Tax Credit that allow people that need it the most to receive this critical benefit that lifts low-income children out of poverty. You can also take action by contacting your senators, urging them to protect Medicaid and SNAP.
The House Reconciliation Bill also has some charitable contribution provisions, but those provisions do not go far enough to benefit people with mid to low incomes. So, while it reinstates a provision enabling taxpayers who do not itemize to deduct charitable contributions, the amount is only up to $300 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $150 for all others. Also a new nonrefundable tax credit aimed at providing scholarships for grade school and high school students needs language to ensure that Catholic schools are included.
The Trump administration intends to send a recissions package to Congress next week, cutting $9.4 billion in funding mostly targeting the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (NPR and PBS).
Economy: In the week ending May 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 240,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 227,000 to 226,000. The 4-week moving average was 230,750, a decrease of 250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 500 from 231,500 to 231,000.
Call to action: With Medicaid and SNAP cuts being proposed, you can make a difference by contacting your Senators and asking them to protect these two programs. You can also encourage them to continue to provide the Child Tax Credit and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit at levels that make a difference in people's lives.
Town Halls: We have attached to this message a list of upcoming town hall meetings hosted by members of Congress. This is a great way to have your voice heard. Please reach out to your member for more details. You can use CCUSA's "Find Your Elected Officials" tool.