Scholars Strategy Network: Tax Policy as a Potential Tool for Reducing Infant Mortality
ITEP Work in ActionThe death of an infant is a devastating outcome, which permanently alters the lives of their parents and loved ones. Infant mortality is a key indicator of population health. Unfortunately, infant mortality in Illinois is high compared to other states, and is inequitable. In Illinois, mortality among non-Hispanic Black infants is more than two to three times that among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic infants.
Given these inequities there have been efforts to reduce infant deaths in Illinois, such as the creation of the Illinois Task Force on Infant and Maternal Mortality among African Americans. Still, more needs to be done.
Increased tax revenues and increased tax progressivity need to be further explored as policy solutions in Illinois. More specifically, the adoption of worldwide combined reporting and a state-level child tax credit, could help prevent infant deaths in our state.