As a mother of four boys, including one with autism, I am dedicated to providing a supportive environment that allows them to thrive. We enjoy spending time together at beaches, parks, aquariums, and museums. I joined the PAB to be an advocate for change because I am motivated by my belief in addressing the root causes of food insecurity and poverty. I aspire to be a catalyst for creating a society where all children have access to a safe and nurturing environment that fosters their growth and helps them develop into empathetic and kind individuals.

1. What is something you’re really proud of as a parent?*

Raising my kids to have their own values, be kind, and be a helper in the community. They are aware of what is happening in the country and understand what is right or wrong .

2. What do you want lawmakers to know about what it’s like raising children and making ends meet in today’s economy?*

That it is so stressful to meet the needs of our kids. One of my boys wants to participate in extracurricular activities like sports or music. He wants to have a great trombone and to get better in his sport, but I cannot afford it. It is too expensive with travel, and time. It is sad that I cannot give him the opportunity to be in a school or club team. 

3. Why is the Child Tax Credit (CTC) important to you?*

When I received the expanded CTC in 2021, I was on maternity leave, and used that extra money to pay for food, gas, and electricity. The electric bill was up a crazy amount. I was able to pay for summer camp, which was almost $1,000 for my 3 children. With that extra money, I was able to afford that one-time camp experience for my kids and they still talk about that week to this day. 

4. Why is it important to you that lawmakers expand the Child Tax Credit?*

Families are struggling with inflation and the cost of food, clothing, gas. Everything costs more. The stuff that kids need for school costs more. Families deserve better. All this money that is handed out to other countries, why can’t we use that money for our kids first? So that they’re able to eat healthier food. Sometimes [unhealthy food] is all a family can afford, they are only able to give their kids the minimum. When I needed child care, the cost was so high. I couldn’t find any childcare that was affordable and one of my children has special needs, which made it even harder. You try to work until 5, but school ends earlier and I couldn’t find childcare.

5. If you had $500 more for each of your children every month, how would you use it?

For my oldest son, I would save to buy him a trombone. I would also be able to put him into volleyball camp so that he can get better form and practice volleyball. For my second son, I’d be able to afford to keep putting him into club basketball because that’s $300/month. The way they’re growing, I’m always buying him basketball shoes, since his feet grow and they pinch. With my third one, he’s also an athlete and he plays soccer. For him, I’d be able to cover his club fees without asking for scholarships and without feeling embarrassed to fill out the information about why we can’t afford $3000/year to afford the fees. And that’s just the club fees, that doesn’t even include the team fees. And he also needs cleats and another set of uniforms, since he’s grown out of that too. And with my littlest one, who is 6, I’d be able to afford more programs on his iPad to help with his autism and his speech. And I could afford to take him to more speech classes on the weekends. And because he also isn’t potty trained yet, we also have to pay for diapers and wipes. It’d take a lot of stress and guilt off of me, knowing that I can give them everything that they deserve.

 6. In addition to increasing the benefit level, are there other changes to the CTC that you think are important to ensure children and families can thrive?

In addition to increasing the benefit level, I believe it is important to make the CTC available to all children, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. Every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from the CTC and have their basic needs supported.

I also believe the full CTC should be available to all families, regardless of income level. Children should not be penalized because their family earns slightly above or below an eligibility threshold. A universal CTC would help families with the rising costs of food, housing, childcare, education, and other necessities, while ensuring that every child has the resources they need to thrive.