The Baltimore Sun’s article about how some states are choosing to reject Summer EBT, federal money that would buy children food in the summer, makes plain a simple truth (“Another red-blue divide: Money to feed kids in the summer,” April 12). Whether they live in a state with a governor who listens (like the gentleman from Nebraska), or in one of the 10 states that have declined the federal nutrition money, a family that gets a federal Child Tax Credit would have more money to feed their kids.

The CTC has already proven its worth. It demonstrably lowers child poverty. According to the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth and Victim Services’ “Results for Child Well-Being 2023 Annual Report,” 14% of Maryland kids live in poverty. That’s 14% too many, especially in a relatively prosperous state like ours.

U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen support this proven idea. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, a bill with bipartisan support that includes expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Now, they need to use their legislative muscle to persuade your colleagues to schedule a U.S. Senate vote. Summer is coming and kids need to eat!