Contact:
Joseph Rendeiro
(202) 776-1566
jrendeiro@nclr.org
Washington, D.C.—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) strongly applauds Congress for reaching a bipartisan agreement to extend the payroll tax cut for the rest of 2012, along with an extension of unemployment benefits, which together will stimulate job creation and help struggling families. And in a crucial victory for the Hispanic community, lawmakers agreed not to include a restriction to the Child Tax Credit that would have severely affected millions of hardworking, taxpaying Latino families and their children.
“Capitol Hill heard the message loud and clear that our community will not tolerate using Latino children as bargaining chips in this broader tax debate,” said Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “We are encouraged to see both parties work together to pass a tax package that puts more money in the hand of workers and helps stimulate job growth, without including any harmful provisions.”
NCLR thanks Senator Harry Reid (D–Nev.), in particular, for his leadership and public statements in support of preserving the Child Tax Credit for millions of Latino children. We also appreciate that Republican leadership saw the benefit to coming to agreement with Democrats to end a stalemate and provide relief for families. Support from allies such as religious groups, children’s and immigrant advocates, labor organizations, the anti-poverty and civil rights communities, and Latino leaders and advocates from throughout the country was also important to achieving this victory.
“All Americans, especially Latinos, are concerned about the economy, which is our nation’s number one priority,” added Murguía. “This may be the only economic measure we are able to pass through Congress this year, which is why it’s so crucial that the deal is fair and balanced, helping both middle-class and low-wage workers alike. NCLR is heartened to know that millions of Latino families will directly benefit from this law.”
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