Child tax credits (CTCs) are an important way that policymakers can help families make ends meet, help children thrive now and in the future, and help families and communities recover from the pandemic. The federal credit should be expanded, and states should also create and improve their own CTCs (among other tax credits that help households with low incomes). Nine states have already enacted and funded a CTC (see map), and states continue to enact new credits and improve existing ones. Last year, Colorado implemented and funded its CTC, which families will be able to claim for the first time