Children's HealthWatch

01/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended today's Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition briefing, "Meeting the Moment: Putting Money Back in Constituents' Pockets," at the Massachusetts State House.

We'd like to extend a special thank you to and for their leadership in advocating for VITA, as well as all the aides and staff who generously gave their time to attend today.

Speaking at today's briefing were representatives from the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP), , , and Greater Boston Legal Services. We can't overstate our appreciation for all of you!

06/30/2025

Our new study published in JAMA Network Open 👇adds to the evidence: the expanded Child Tax Credit supports health and financial stability.

In this longitudinal cohort study of > 5,800 caregivers of young children, recipients of the expanded were less likely to have anxiety, and their families were more likely to be food secure🍎, stably housed🔑, and caught up on rent💵 – compared to nonrecipients.

Read more here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2835797

Despite the overwhelming evidence, including our study, the federal tax and spending bill under consideration would exclude up to 4.5M U.S. citizen children in families with mixed immigration status and - for those who remain eligible - give lower income families only a partial benefit compared to higher income peers.
Congress must reject these cuts and restore an inclusive expanded CTC.

This cohort study examines associations of health outcomes and material hardships among caregivers with young children with the expanded child tax credit that was issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021.

06/18/2025

Join prominent health professionals, advocates, and faith-based leaders from across the country in a National Relay Fast between June 22nd - June 27th - a form of protest in which different groups of people will fast for 24 hours each day over 5 days to protest and build pressure on Senators to reject sweeping cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, the Child Tax Credit, and other basic needs services.

Each meal sacrificed represents 500 Americans who will either lose their life or go hungry, lose healthcare, and pay more for basic needs if these cuts are passed by the House and Senate. Together, we represent millions.

Join the protest here:

Join thousands in a 6-day relay fast (June 22-27) to protest cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and Child Tax Credit. Each meal sacrificed represents Americans at risk from devastating budget cuts.

04/15/2025

TODAY IS TAX DAY! Make sure you file your taxes by today, April 15 to avoid any possible penalties or missed credits. There are several federal and state tax credits available to eligible MA tax filers, like the and . This is also the last year to get COVID payments and other money you may be owed. Go to FindYourFunds.org to check your eligibility for these credits and file your taxes—don't miss out on cash you might qualify for!

04/11/2025

FOUR DAYS LEFT TO FILE: Do you know all the federal and state tax credits you’re eligible for? Don’t miss out on money you may be owed—head to FindYourFunds.org to check your eligibility and file your taxes for FREE! 💵

04/04/2025

TWO WEEKS LEFT: Get help filing your taxes on FindYourFunds.org. With resources on available tax credits, filing online for free with the new IRS Direct File program, and getting in person help through VITA, is a comprehensive guide for MA tax filers.

04/02/2025

The new IRS Direct File program is open now! Use the first FREE service to file your taxes this year. Never pay for third party filing again! Go to FindYourFunds.org now to file by yourself or to find your closest FREE in-person tax help through ! You may be owed money you missed in the past: don't wait, as this is your last opportunity to claim stimulus or money! Don't forget: file your taxes by APRIL 15!

03/14/2025

Some more pictures from the legislative briefing hosted by the Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition and the MA Black and Latino Legislative Caucus! 📸
We had a great time connecting with legislators, advocates, and families about ways to make the MA tax code more equitable! For the 50th anniversary of the , it’s time to ensure all workers, including those who file with an ITIN, are eligible for this vital resource.

03/12/2025

Yesterday, the Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition and MA Black and Latino Legislative Caucus hosted a briefing at the Massachusetts State House to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit - the most effective tool against poverty for working families - and to advocate for a more equitable for all workers, families, children, and taxpaying immigrants in the state.
Attendees heard from legislators, advocates, families, and volunteer tax preparers from the VITA program about the impact of expanding the to filers and increasing funding for the program, which helps low-income families access the tax credits they're eligible for. Thank you to everyone who came to the event, and we are excited to continue to advocate for a more equitable tax code in Massachusetts!

03/10/2025

Get help filing your taxes for FREE on FindYourFunds.org NOW! With resources on available tax credits, filing online for free with the new IRS Direct File program, and getting in person help through VITA, is a comprehensive guide for Massachusetts tax filers. Don't delay filing your taxes as you may miss out on money you're owed—go to FindYourFunds.org for more!

03/08/2025

The new IRS Direct File program is now live! Use the first FREE service to file your taxes this year. Never pay for third party filing again! Go to FindYourFunds.org now to file by yourself or to find your closest FREE in-person tax help through ! You may be owed money you missed in the past: don't wait, as this is your last opportunity to claim stimulus or money!

03/06/2025

IT’S TAX SEASON! Go to FindYourFunds.org to file your taxes for FREE online! For the first time, there is a free service through the IRS where Americans can file without having to pay third party companies. If filing online isn't your preference, there are also resources to help find your nearest VITA site to receive FREE in person help from a tax professional. There is also information on available tax credits, like the and . Don't wait—file through FindYourFunds.org today!