FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DECEMBER 22, 2022
CONTACT: Jasmine Nazarett, [email protected]

FY2023 Appropriations Bill Makes Important Advances But Falls Short of Delivering Progressive Agenda

While the year-end package includes several priorities that will support communities and people most at risk, the FY2023 omnibus appropriations bill falls short of protecting immigrants and restoring the enhanced Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Community Change Action Co-Presidents Lorella Praeli and Dorian Warren issued the following statement in response: 

“Budgets are moral documents that reflect our values as a country, with lawmakers making choices about where to invest and what to cut. Although there are key victories for our communities in the FY 2023 omnibus appropriations bill, the spending package fails to advance a progressive agenda to bolster Black, brown and immigrant families–a missed opportunity during this lame duck session of Congress before the majority shifts in the House next year. 

“On one hand, this bill reflects both our values and the sustained engagement of organizers. We’re encouraged to see the steps taken to update the Electoral Count Act to safeguard our democracy. Voters made it clear this year that we need deeper investments in child care and early childhood education. As a result, the Child Care and Development Block Grant–the largest federal child care program–saw an increase of nearly $2 billion. Meaningful increases for key housing programs under the Department of Housing and Urban Development will help thousands of households with rental assistance and support people who are unhoused. A new Shelter and Services grant program will help community organizations supporting asylum seekers and migrants arriving at the border. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act amendment will help end discrimination against pregnant workers and their families, promoting economic security and healthy pregnancies. 

“On the other hand, this bill falls short for too many struggling people and communities. First, Republican lawmakers cruelly blocked the efforts to restore the enhanced Child Tax Credit–among the most significant policy tools we have to reduce child poverty and boost incomes. Secondly, after years of inaction lawmakers failed yet again to act to protect immigrants after opposition from Republican leadership blocked an effort to advance citizenship for about 2 million undocumented people. While we commend the Senate for voting against proposals to reinstate the Title 42 mass expulsions asylum ban policy, this omnibus also needlessly increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP)–which is already at record highs–and fails to reduce detention levels. This level of investments in the deportation machinery harms our communities. 

“We applaud this Congress for its work over the past two years to pass historic legislation that prioritizes working people and families. These legislative accomplishments—long fought for by grassroots organizers—have addressed pressing needs. Still, as this year and the 117th Congress come to a close, we know our work is not done. Congress must do far more to  enact the transformational investments child care providers and families need, end child poverty, make safe and affordable housing a priority, and protect immigrants.” 

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