Starting this Thursday, parents across North Carolina will receive their first Child Tax Credit  payment of up to $300 thanks to the American Rescue Plan, a “blessing” for many families who have struggled throughout the pandemic. This tax cut for middle class families will help revitalize the economy and get people back to work, but not a single Republican voted for the historic piece of legislation. 

As hard-working parents eagerly await their first payment, North Carolina’s Republican Senate candidates are on the hook to explain GOP opposition to these critical tax cuts. 

• Congressman Ted Budd called the American Rescue Plan a “liberal checklist and wish list.” and cast his vote against the historic COVID relief bill by proxy so he could attend CPAC instead.
• Former Congressman Mark Walker called the American Rescue Plan a “handout that our children and grandchildren will pay for.” 
• Former Governor Pat McCrory suggested the American Rescue Plan was part of “dangerous spending sprees.”

“North Carolina parents are breathing a sigh of relief thanks to the American Rescue Plan and tax cuts hitting bank accounts this week that will make a tangible impact on their pocketbooks, helping them to pay bills, put food on the table, and make sure their children are taken care of,” said NCDP spokeswoman Kate Frauenfelder. “Every single GOP candidate running for U.S. Senate will have to explain why Republicans opposed these monthly payments for working families.” 

Read more from North Carolina parents: 

ABC11: ‘It’s a blessing:’ NC families anxiously await arrival of Child Tax Credit checks

• Starting Thursday, thousands of parents and guardians across central North Carolina will be receiving monthly Child Tax Credit checks from the federal government.
• “Some people look at it as handouts, but when you just want to feed your child and just have the lights on when you walk in the house — you just want to have some security that what you’re working toward is coming into fruition… it helps,” said Durham mother Edwina Barbee.
• Barbee is thankful for the American Rescue Plan check scheduled to hit her bank account this week. Especially after being laid off for 8 months until getting a new job as a bank teller just before the pandemic hit.
• She and her 4-year-old are relying mostly on her sole income to get by.
• “It’s hard because it’s like you have to play the role of mother and father. If it wasn’t for my parents, it would have been harder without my support system,” said Barbee.
• Chapel Hill couple Anna and Brian Carper know exactly how they will spend those federal child tax credits the two have three children under the age of seven.
• “They eat a lot and they need clothes, books. Even if you’re keeping things basic they are really expensive,” said Anna Carper.
• Barbee is using the extra cash to pay bills, feed and clothe her son.
• “It’s a blessing. That’s all I can say. I just can’t put it in any other words. It’s a blessing. It’s really going to help,” said Barbee.

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