In the current US presidential race, where Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are vying for the presidency, a proposal has captured the attention of millions of American families. It’s the idea of expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to $6,000, a change that could provide significant financial relief to low- and middle-income families.
This proposal, introduced by Kamala Harris, aims to improve the economic situation of those who need it most, and it’s not the only one being discussed.
The Kamala Harris proposal: A more generous Child Tax Credit
As it stands, the Child Tax Credit offers $2,000 per qualifying dependent, of which only $1,600 is refundable. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the amount was temporarily increased, reaching $3,600 per child under 6 years old and $3,000 per dependent under 17. This temporary expansion proved to be crucial for many families facing economic hardships during the health crisis.
In this context, Kamala Harris has proposed not only reinstating that temporary increase in the CTC but also expanding it further. Her plan includes offering a credit of up to $6,000 for parents of newborns during the first year of the child’s life. Harris argues that this first year is essential for child development and that the costs associated with raising a child during this period can be prohibitive, especially for young parents.
According to Harris, this credit would help families cover expenses like diapers, clothing, and car seats, which are essential but often very expensive.
A potential impact on child poverty
Harris’s proposal isn’t just about tax relief; it’s also designed as a tool to combat child poverty. The Tax Foundation, an independent organization, has pointed out that credits like this could lift millions of children out of poverty, providing families with a financial safety net during the crucial early years of their children’s lives.
However, implementing a program of this magnitude wouldn’t be cheap. According to estimates from the Tax Foundation, the cost of an expanded CTC like the one Harris is proposing could reach $1.6 trillion over 10 years. This high cost has sparked debate about the financial feasibility of the proposal and its long-term impact on the federal budget.
The J.D. Vance proposal: A different approach
Kamala Harris isn’t the only one putting forward an expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Senator J.D. Vance, also a presidential candidate and an ally of Donald Trump, has presented his own proposal. Vance suggests increasing the CTC to $5,000, a plan that, according to his advisors, would have an estimated cost of between $2 trillion and $3 trillion over 10 years.
Unlike Harris’s proposal, Vance’s plan wouldn’t be tied to any income levels. This means that all families, regardless of their economic situation, could benefit from the expanded credit. According to Vance, his goal is to create a system that supports all families equally, regardless of their income.
What these proposals mean for American families
If either of these proposals were to be implemented, the impact on American families could be significant. An expanded CTC would provide immediate relief to families struggling to make ends meet, especially those with young children. Moreover, by making the credit fully refundable, more families could benefit, including those with incomes so low that they don’t pay income taxes.
Families across the country could see a substantial change in their financial situation if these plans were to become law. The additional funds could help cover basic needs that are essential for raising children, which in turn could reduce financial stress and improve overall family well-being. This is particularly important for low-income families, who often face difficult choices when it comes to providing for their children’s needs.
