Jan's Plans & Pans - February 7, 2024

As I have said many times before, we live in the richest country in the world at the richest moment in history. Yet, many Americans are unable to feel the full magnitude of our wealth. One of the biggest problems we face is income inequality. As big corporations continue to rake in record profits, there are many families struggling to put food on the table. For this reason, I was one of the 70 members who voted against a $78 billion tax bill that came before the House of Representatives.

This bill, if signed into law, would provide millions of dollars in tax relief for the wealthiest companies, like Meta, General Motors, and Netflix, and pennies for those in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we passed the expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit, which cut child poverty in half. I will not back down. We must keep fighting for the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit because our children deserve no less.

Finally, I want to say Happy Black History Month! We celebrate Black culture, Black leaders, Black innovation, and Black triumphs. We remember the struggles endured by Civil Rights icons. It was their ‘good trouble,’ along with many others, that paved the way for future generations to have a better life. As we reflect on the great strides we have made, we recognize the work that remains to truly become an equitable and just society. Black lives matter. Black lives have value. Black lives are beautiful. Black History is American History.