U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced legislation that would update and increase the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and provide a new tax credit for pregnant mothers.
Specifically, the Family First Act would increase the CTC amount to $4,200 for families with a child between ages 0-5 and $3,000 for families with a child between ages 6-17. Families may claim the tax credit for up to six children annually. It would also establish a $2,800 tax credit for pregnant mothers. Further, a family must have earned at least $20,000 to receive the full CTC amount, or at least $10,000 for the full credit during pregnancy. The credits are reduced by $50 for every $1,000 above the income phaseout thresholds of $200,000 for single-filers and $400,000 for joint-filers.
In addition, it would simplify the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by consolidating the family portion of the EITC to not vary based on the number of dependents but separately maintains the adult dependent component of the EITC.
“This year, with the expiration of provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we have a historic opportunity to champion pro-family policies,” Moore said. “The Family First Act will streamline antiquated federal tax policies into an enhanced Child Tax Credit for working families and new tax credit for pregnant mothers. This fiscally responsible approach affirms the dignity of work and promotes marriage, supporting families as they build stronger and more prosperous communities for the next generation.”
The bill is fully offset by consolidating and simplifying the EITC, repealing the dependent portion of the personal exemption, eliminating the child and dependent care tax credit, repealing the Head of Household filing status, and maintaining a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.
This legislation is supported by SBA List, March for Life, American Principles Project, Americans United for Life, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Feminists for Life, Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, and CatholicVote.
“Mothers and fathers cannot afford to let Child Tax Credit expire especially during these tough economic times,” Feminists for Life President Serrin Foster said. “No parent should be forced to choose between their child and childcare, their family or housing and food, but that’s where many are at right now. The Family First Act can help lift children out of poverty. Mothers, fathers, and families deserve better. That includes Black women who are pregnant and at high risk of maternal mortality. Adding support to women in the last half of their pregnancy is a major step forward.”
With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 set to expire at the end of this year, the CTC would be cut in half to just $1,000.