Thread by @ParrottCBPP

Thread: Policymakers need to find a path to a compromise #BuildBackBetter bill that makes significant progress toward more broadly shared prosperity, is based in evidence, and can pass.

See new @CenteronBudget analysis: cbpp.org/research/pover…

Economic insecurity was widespread even prior to the pandemic. 1 in 4 households couldn’t afford adequate food, shelter, or utilities at some point between 2014-2016.

Insecurity went well beyond households that had incomes below the #poverty line. Many middle-income households couldn’t pay their bills in at least one year, sometimes because their incomes fell or costs rose.

High costs of #housing, child care, pre-K, & elder care coupled with gaps in assistance programs leave many families with bills they struggle to pay.

And we entered the pandemic with nearly 30 million people without health coverage.

Under-investing in kids shortchanges their future & robs the nation as a whole of their full potential, while leaving millions without health coverage makes the nation sicker and less productive.

The good news is that we have policies that we know work to address these everyday challenges. There are many ways to craft a compromise #ChildTaxCredit expansion that would cut #poverty & expand opportunity for millions of children.

It’s within our reach.

Other policies that will pay off in the long term, reduce poverty & racial disparities, & improve health include closing the #Medicaid coverage gap, investing in #housing, improving marketplace subsidies, & investments in childcare, pre-K, #nutrition, & elder care.

#BuildBackBetter will need to be revised & scaled back to secure the needed votes. Given the scale of the challenges facing households & the nation, failing to seize this moment should be unacceptable when real progress is possible.

cbpp.org/research/pover…