Letter: Real relief for working families

I celebrate our NH Congressional delegation, Sens. Hassan and Shaheen, and Reps. Kuster and Pappas, for voting for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. It will reduce prescription drug costs, bring down energy costs, combat climate change, ease the deficit, and cool inflation. And it now goes to the president to become law. Senator Hassan worked to include a provision in the bill doubling the R&D tax credit for small businesses and start-ups, to equip businesses to stay at the forefront of innovation. All good. However, families are struggling as food and fuel costs skyrocket.

Feeding America reports that in 2020, there were almost 100,000 food-insecure people in NH. Sure, gas prices are coming down, but my budget contract for home heating oil is up 40% for next year. Rents are skyrocketing. And I’m horrified every time I shop for groceries. I can’t think what it’s like for families living paycheck to paycheck. Last year the Child Tax Credit lifted 36 million out of poverty. Families used the refundable credit for rent, school supplies, and food. Now, without this benefit, they are fast falling behind. They need a meaningful response from Congress. I urge Sens. Hassan and Shaheen, and Reps. Kuster and Pappas to make sure that in any end-of-year tax legislation there are no R&D tax credit extensions without providing real relief for struggling working families. Yes, bring down the deficit and inflation, but also help struggling families and children as well. They’re our friends and neighbors.

Lucinda Winslow

Antrim