Today the long-awaited financial relief for many Coachella Valley families arrived.
The first monthly payments of the child tax credit were deposited into bank accounts.
Congressman Raul Ruiz says that today is a historic day for children in his district.
“That thousands are going to get out of poverty, that they will be able to have their food at home and not have the nerves if they are going to be able to eat that night,” said Congressman Ruiz about the initiative that supports to help families in the country.
In District 36 it is estimated that 43,500 households benefit and the money helped more than 166,000 minors. It is estimated that these families will receive an average of $ 3,400 families for the next six months.
“It means that they will see the difference in their parents, that they will no longer have the stress that if they will be able to pay for air conditioning in the heat we suffer, or that they will leave their homes and will be evicted”, Ruiz said.
During a virtual forum, the congressman stressed that the payments will also help reduce child poverty. The money is projected to help more than 15,000 children living in the lowest levels of poverty in the Coachella Valley. Those low-income parents plan to receive up to $ 5,000.
“This moment means a lot, especially those who have lost fathers or mothers to the pandemic,” Ruiz said.
In August 2020, Cindy Johnson lost her husband to the coronavirus.
“I am a mother of 4 minor children who no longer have that support, emotionally, physically and financially,” Johnson said.
She says the funds arrive just in time.
“This will help me pay some of my rent, my bills and school things for my children and food because I do not have a stable income at the moment,” added Johnson.
The money is part of the government’s economic stimulus package amid the coronavirus economic crisis. Qualifying families will receive $ 300 per month for each child five years of age or younger and $ 250.00 for each child between the ages of 6 and 17.
“If you think that they should obtain the benefit and do not know why they have not obtained it, please call my office,” Congressman Ruiz concluded.
The aid will be sent until December of this year for families that meet the income requirements.
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