FY27 Budget Proposal Includes Permanent,
Refundable Child Tax Credit

On January 13, Governor Dan McKee announced that his proposed FY27 budget will include the creation of a permanent, fully refundable Child Tax Credit (CTC). Under the proposal, the credit would provide $325 per child per year for all children under the age of 19. This development reflects years of sustained advocacy by the Economic Progress Institute, the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families, and the RIght from the Start Campaign.

The Governor’s State of the State Address may be viewed here. The Governor outlines his “Affordability for All” agenda at approximately 0:30 and discusses the Child Tax Credit in greater detail beginning at approximately 0:32.

This announcement represents a significant and encouraging step forward. We look forward to reviewing the full budget proposal and will share a detailed analysis as it becomes available.

The next phase of our work will focus on advocacy in the House and Senate to ensure that the Child Tax Credit proposal is retained in the enacted budget.

RI Legislative Updates

• In the face of the current federal threats, this legislative session, our #1 priority is to defend and protect access to basic needs including access to food, health and mental health services, health care, housing, and vaccines for all babies, children and youth regardless of income, immigration status, or gender identity. While defending and protecting Rhode Island’s progress, we will continue to be bold in leading campaigns for policies that increase equity and reduce disparities in child well-being. Please see our full list of 2026 budgetary and legislative priorities.
  
• We were thrilled to join the interfaith coalition at last week's fighting poverty with faith vigil. We are fortunate in Rhode Island to have such a beautiful community of faith leaders who are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable are represented with compassion and care.
  
• Our website has a lot of resources for you! This page will link over to legislation we are tracking this session, as well as legislative testimony we have submitted to the Rhode Island General Assembly. 

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT advances equitable policies that improve the lives of all Rhode Island children and eliminate disparities through the power of data, advocacy, and civic action. | www.rikidscount.org