February 21, 2025, Chicago IL, - Since his inauguration on January 21, 2025, President Trump has brought the nation to its knees in an unprecedented test of our democracy, undermining the separation of powers that has always been the pillar of American governance. Daily, Americans are blindsided by his executive orders, shocking public statements, and illegal actions of his allies and appointees.
Elon Musk – the richest man in the world – has bought his way into the White House and forcefully seized control over the privacy, financial security, and future of every American citizen. Together with other Trump appointees, Musk is acting as a human wrecking ball, decimating entire federal departments and eliminating vital programs including everything from foreign aid, to public education, to veterans’ services and the health institutions we rely on to keep us safe.
And just in case there was any doubt left as to whether Musk is a full-fledged white supremacist, he has proposed offering refugee status to his Afrikaner kinsmen (white South Africans that supported and benefited from Apartheid), yet considers Black and Brown immigrants fleeing violence and poverty to be unworthy of the same grace.
Anyone who consumes popular media is confronted by the relentless onslaught of cuts and threats, especially in the states and cities that Trump has targeted with his anti-immigrant hate-mongering. As part of HR32, which bears the proud title of the "No Bailout For Sanctuary Cities Act," federal aid will not be granted to cities that prioritize morals and values over their finances. For Trump and his administration, the financial bottom line is always their north star, which they defend with the false narrative that savings will be returned to the American people. Yet the fact remains that Trump’s priorities lie only in tax cuts for the rich white men who prop him up, and he will exhaust our resources to create an American dictatorship. Unfortunately for us, he has the legislative support to do so.
In light of all the threats and harms that the Trump administration has already set upon Americans – and the many more that they will unleash – it is concerning that Governor Pritzker intends to further burden the people of Illinois by cutting more than $3 billion from our state budget. Pritzker's proposed cuts are just as harmful as those proposed by Trump and Elon Musk - no matter who makes the cuts, they come at an enormous detriment to our communities. Beyond engaging in a verbal war with the President, the Governor can do a number of things to protect Illinoisans. His top priority should be to pass policies that increase revenues for the state, rather than propose cuts, so that we can begin to make up for the federal support and resources we are losing.
As a member of the Illinois Revenue Coalition – an alliance of grassroots, labor, and policy organizations – we have proposed a slate of policies that would generate twice as much revenue as is required to avoid budget cuts. This is not only enough to eliminate our deficit, but it will also offset some of the federal government's budget cuts. An unelected man, the wealthiest in the world, is running the U.S. as an oligarchy – placing blame for our country’s problems on millions of working class Americans, spreading hate speech, and fearmongering in a country he himself is an immigrant in. Given this reality, anti-poverty policies that uplift those most vulnerable to his wrath are what is most essential to protecting our wellbeing.
In a time of unrelenting cruelty, unyielded executive power, and social uncertainty, the Workers Center for Racial Justice calls Governor Pritzker to say NO to any cuts to social services, and to ensure the people of Illinois are equipped offensively and defensively to withstand the attacks of the Trump administration. The pathway to a budget surplus is always the same: tax the rich. Governor Pritzker needs to put his budget where his mouth is, and pass policies that increase revenue and defend Illinoisans.
WE DID IT. WE WON!!! Parents across Illinois score a huge victory with the passage of the Child Tax Credit! Last night, Illinois lawmakers approved a budget that includes $150 million Child Tax Credit for working parents. WCRJ is proud to be a part of this victory as part of the Illinois Cost-Of-Living Refund Coalition.
If you've been following since the beginning of the 103rd General Assembly (January 2023), you know the amount of time and energy Workers Center for Racial Justice members have put into this campaign. Press conferences, rallies, and testimonies in Springfield are just some of the tactics it took to make this happen. In the end, the fight that culminated in a huge victory for over 1.4 million children across Illinois. The bill includes $50 million for tax year 2024 and $100 million for tax year 2025.
What Does This Mean: Over the next two years parents should expect to receive a $300-$600 tax credit (based on household size) if a child in the household is under the age of 13 on December 31,2024. The credit is distributed as a one time payment as part of the 2024 tax refund (filed in 2025). The credit will increase the following year, as more funds are directed to the program.
Workers Center for Racial Justice would like to send a special shoutout to Ms. CTC herself, Krystal Peters, long time WCRJ member who transitioned to full time Child Care Organizer in the Fall of 2023. We know that Krystal and her newly organized cohort of Power Parents was the secret sauce to get this over the finish line! With your help, we'll continue to fight to expand the child tax credit to ALL children regardless of age! If you would like to be a Power Parent whose overall goal is free Child Care for All, sign up to be join our Child Care for All Committee!
We are encouraged by Governor Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address, particularly the inclusion of a state Child Tax Credit. This proposal marks a significant step towards providing economic relief and support to thousands of families in Illinois. Child poverty was cut in half as a result of Biden's expanding Child Tax Credit in 2021. Childhood hunger was dramatically reduced, educational outcomes were improved, and there was a boost in the economy as a whole. With the prices of goods and services increasing, our families have a greater need for the Child Tax Credit than ever before.
With a state Child Tax Credit, parents will have enough money to spend on food, formula, bills, and clothes for their growing children. It empowers them to make decisions that are in the best interest of their families. By recognizing parents' crucial role in nurturing their children's well-being, this proposal acknowledges the importance of financial stability for families.
For the families of the Workers Center for Racial Justice, the impact of a state Child Tax Credit will be transformative. Many parents struggle to make ends meet, often facing financial challenges unique to their communities. By providing financial support, this tax credit will help alleviate some of their burden, allowing them to focus on providing for their children's basic needs.
We applaud the Governor's commitment to supporting families, particularly those from marginalized communities. Illinois ranks as the poorest state for racial financial equality. Research shows that 60% of state CTC money is allocated directly to black and brown families. A state Child Tax Credit will help alleviate systemic disparities and promote a more equitable society for all Illinois residents.
We look forward to working closely with Governor Pritzker, the General Assembly, and other stakeholders to ensure the Child Tax Credit is implemented and reaches families that need it the most. Let’s make Illinois the 15th state to have a Child Tax Credit. Together, we can create a future where every family in Illinois has access to the resources they need to thrive.
In Solidarity,
The Workers Center for Racial Justice