Rep. Reed introduces “Missouri Child Tax Credit” bill during special session to cut childhood poverty

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, State Representative Ray Reed introduced House Bill 2 in the Missouri General Assembly’s special session—legislation that would establish a Missouri Child Tax Credit modeled after the transformative Biden-Harris federal tax credit, with the goal of cutting childhood poverty in Missouri by half.

State Rep. Ray Reed, D-St. Louis (83rd District)

In a special session largely focused on funding to keep the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri and reviving special investments and projects around the state that failed to cross the finish line during regular session, Rep. Reed is calling for the state to match its economic ambitions with moral clarity—by investing directly in Missouri’s children and working families.

“At a time when we’re considering investing nearly a billion dollars to retain a football team, I believe we must also ask ourselves what kind of state we want to be. If we have the resources to build stadiums, we have the resources to build stronger futures for Missouri’s kids,” Rep. Reed, D-St. Louis County, said. “This legislation is about values. It’s about recognizing that every child in Missouri deserves a fair shot—regardless of their zip code, their family’s income, or the challenges they face.”

The Missouri Child Tax Credit would provide direct payments to low-income and working-class families with children under the age of 18. Modeled after the 2021 Biden-Harris expansion that lifted more than 3 million children out of poverty nationwide, the state version of the tax credit would ensure that no child in Missouri goes to bed hungry, lacks a warm coat in the winter, or falls behind in school because their family can’t afford basic needs.

“We have the data. We know this works,” Reed said. “When the federal child tax credit was expanded during the pandemic, we saw one of the most significant and immediate drops in childhood poverty in our nation’s history. It didn’t just provide relief—it provided opportunity. It gave parents breathing room. It gave children stability. That is the kind of impact we should be fighting for.”

Reed’s proposal comes at a critical time, as lawmakers decide how to spend nearly a billion dollars in surplus funds. While economic development and infrastructure remain essential, Reed insists that any conversation about Missouri’s future must include Missouri’s children.

“This bill isn’t just about alleviating poverty—it’s about unlocking potential,” he added. “It’s about building a Missouri where every child can learn, grow, and dream without being held back by circumstances beyond their control. We owe that to them. And we owe that to our future.”

If passed, House Bill 2 would position Missouri as a national leader in the fight to end childhood poverty at the state level.

Representative Ray Reed proudly serves as the State Representative for Missouri’s 83rd House District, which includes vibrant communities across the St. Louis region, including Brentwood, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Shrewsbury, and portions of Affton. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2024. For more information, please contact Rep. Reed by phone at 573-751-2883 or email at Ray.Reed@House.Mo.Gov.