ICYMI: Spanberger Hosts Virtual Town Hall on Issues Facing Central Virginians, Touts Enhanced Child Tax Credit Payments

Press Release

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger yesterday hosted an open-topic, public telephone town hall focused on issues facing Central Virginia families, seniors, businesses, and veterans.

On Thursday night, Spanberger answered questions directly from Central Virginians about challenges they are experiencing during Virginia's economic recovery and ideas they have for improving the Seventh District going forward. During the event, she discussed a range of important issues -- including Child Tax Credit payments, economic growth, prescription drug costs, border security, the state of the U.S. Postal Service, the ongoing opioid overdose epidemic, and support for America's veterans.

During the interactive town hall, Spanberger also highlighted the start of advance monthly payments of the expanded Child Tax Credit -- which were sent to Central Virginia families starting on Thursday. Spanberger voted to pass these additional payments to Central Virginia families as part of the American Rescue Plan in March 2021.

More than 8,800 Central Virginians tuned in for the event. Click here to watch a full recording of the town hall.

"Events like Thursday night's town hall -- our 16th virtual event since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic -- are terrific opportunities to speak directly with Central Virginians and receive feedback about how I can better serve them in Congress. During our town hall, I had the opportunity to engage in productive, personal conversations with our neighbors -- including families facing financial hardships or touched by the opioid crisis, parents with questions about the Child Tax Credit, seniors worried about rising prescription drug prices, and more," said Spanberger. "I was also glad to share additional information about the enhanced Child Tax Credit, a tax cut for working and middle class families that will benefit nearly 150,000 kids here in Central Virginia. As we recover from the pandemic, we will continue rebuilding our communities together -- and I would like to thank the thousands of Virginians who joined our town hall."

Thursday's telephone town hall was Spanberger's 16th open, public telephone town hall since the COVID-19 pandemic began. These events have focused on the health and economic impacts of the virus on Central Virginia families, healthcare professionals, small businesses, students, and seniors. Click here to watch full recordings of previous events.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to as much as $3,600 per child in 2021. Additionally, the American Rescue Plan ensured that this credit is fully refundable. On Tuesday, Spanberger met with Central Virginia parents and family advocates during a roundtable discussion in Henrico County to discuss this enhanced credit.

Earlier this week, Spanberger penned an op-ed in the Richmond Times-Dispatch highlighting the benefits of this enhanced Child Tax Credit for Central Virginia families, as well as its positive impacts on the Virginia economy. Click here for a summary of the enhanced Child Tax Credit as prepared by Spanberger's office -- and click here for more information and frequently asked questions from the White House.

Last week, Spanberger also released a video message outlining the benefits of the Child Tax Credit for Central Virginia parents and children. Click here to watch her video.

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