Stephan Palmer
I am a single father of five raising my 5-year-old son full-time. I’m also the Founder and CEO of Youth on Fire Inc. and blessed to be in a position to help everyone around me reach stability for each family within my community. Understanding the age-old proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” I fully believe in collaboration to enhance what we offer to our communities. In my work with the ABC Coalition, the Aspen Institute, and organizations across Connecticut, I’ve fought for community change, family stability, entrepreneurship, and fatherhood reform and given a piece of my heart to each person I’ve come into contact with along my journey as a leader and parent advocate.
1. What is something you’re really proud of as a parent?
I’m proud that three of my children so far have graduated high school and are in college. Each of my children have a heart for the community and want to bring change and be a positive figure in their community.
2. What do you want lawmakers to know about what it’s like raising children and making ends meet in today’s economy?
It’s the art of robbing Peter to pay Paul to make sure that the basic needs and necessities are met from the beginning to the end of the month. As the minimum wage goes up, the cost of living should not be going up also, so that people have a chance to pick themselves up.
3. Why is the Child Tax Credit (CTC) important to you?
I have heard families say that it has helped with their morale, put their children in after-school programs, go on vacations, and be able to cover food and basic needs when money is tight at the end of the month. As a single father, I believe more should be done to make sure that the CTC goes to the parent who is raising the child, so that the child receives the full benefit of the credit.
4. Why is it important to you that lawmakers expand the Child Tax Credit?
So that parents have the necessary means to provide for their children. As the child gets older, the cost of raising them goes up. Expanding the CTC means more money going into homes and the parent being able to do more for the child. You’ll see happier children and more children walking around with a sense of hope. Because there’s a chance of being put into educational programs that can broaden their horizons and help them see more of the world than just what’s outside their windows.
5. If you had $500 more for each of your children every month, how would you use it?
For myself, I’d put my children in afterschool programs to further their education, or use that money for extracurriculars or basic needs. I’d like to put my kids in boxing, a STEM program, horseback riding, or even a program to teach them how to buy stocks. I’d also use it on bills and get my kids the essentials they need.
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?
I believe the delivery system for the CTC should be changed, so the money actually follows the child and not court documents. Many parents are raising their children but not getting the CTC because the credit goes to the parent who files first and claims the child on paper, but isn’t raising them in reality. I’ve had that happen with three of my children now.