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ADVOCACY

PLATFORM

2025-26
Number 1

EXPAND THE DISTRICT CHILD TAX CREDIT

Number 2

PROTECT HOUSING BENEFITS

Number 3

INVEST IN PILOTS

Number 4

EXPAND THE STSF PILOT

Number 5

PASS H.R.2338 & S.1393 IN CONGRESS

1. Expand the District Child Tax Credit

A major win: The DC FY2025 Budget included $15 million to establish the District Child Tax Credit (DCTC), providing up to $420 per child for families with young children.

But we can do more. The DC Tax Revision Commission recommends expanding the DCTC to reach more families, provide greater financial relief, and ensure every child gets the support they deserve.

We are urging the DC Council to:

  • Double the credit to up to $1,000 per child
  • Expand eligibility to children up to age 18
  • Raise income limits to support more families

2. Protect Housing Benefits for Guaranteed Income Recipients

Housing assistance should be a safety net—not a penalty. 

While DC has protected guaranteed income recipients from losing most benefits, housing assistance is still at risk. We demand that the DC Housing Authority:

Exempt guaranteed income from eligibility calculations in their Moving to Work plan.

3. Invest in Guaranteed Income Pilots

Guaranteed income works—and we need more data to drive policy change. We’re calling for a $13.5 million investment to fund:

  • 750 households receiving $500/month for 3 years
  • 5-10 pilot programs to study its impact on crime, education, and child welfare
  • A $6.75 million Hold Harmless Fund to protect participants from losing other benefits

4. Expand Strong Families, Strong Futures Pilot

DC’s only publicly-funded guaranteed income pilot was Strong Families, Strong Futures, a direct cash assistance program supporting new and expecting mothers in Wards 5, 7, and 8 that was launched in 2022 and ended in 2025, with an initial grant of $1.5 million. Although SFSF concluded payments to its first cohort in 2023, the DC Council allocated $1.5 or $1 million of funding for various years of the program during its time.

  • We are pushing for the DC Council to open SFSF to residents of all wards and
  • to commission a robust evaluation of SFSF that would explore the theory that providing cash positively impacts perinatal and infant health outcomes

Pass H.R.2338 & S.1393 in Congress

We’re calling on Congress to support legislation that puts money directly in people’s hands.

 

  • H.R. 2338 – Worker Relief and Credit Reform Act (WRCR): Championed by Rep. Gwen Moore, this bill would expand and modernize the Earned Income Tax Credit to better support low-income workers. This includes recognizing students and caregivers as workers, 

  • S.1393 – American Family Act: Introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Michael Bennet, this bill would make the expanded Child Tax Credit permanent, lifting millions of children out of poverty.

These policies move us closer to a future where income is guaranteed and dignity is non-negotiable.

Download the Platform

JOIN THE

MOVEMENT

We need your help to make this 2025-26 Advocacy Platform a reality. The DCGIC is fighting for guaranteed income, expanded programs, and real support for families in need—and we can’t do it without you.

How to help:

  1. Take action by attending our events and making your voice heard.
  2. Stay informed and get involved by subscribing to our newsletter!

Your support is crucial. Together, we can fight for a future where everyone can meet their basic needs and thrive.

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