Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican Senator JD Vance are both advocating for increases in the child tax credit, though with differing proposals that highlight the ongoing debate over family support.
Kamala Harris Proposes $6,000 Child Tax Credit to Support Families
On August 16, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a plan to significantly raise the child tax credit to $6,000 per child. This proposal includes a boost to $3,600 per child for most families, with a higher $6,000 credit for those with newborns. Currently, families earning up to $200,000 receive a $2,000 credit, of which $1,600 is refundable.
Harris’s proposal builds on the successes of the expanded child tax credits introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were instrumental in reducing child poverty. In 2021, the increased credit helped lift 5.3 million people out of poverty. However, the credit reverted to its previous levels in 2022, leading to a rise in child poverty.
Earlier this year, the House attempted to gradually increase the refundable portion of the credit, but the measure failed to pass in the Senate.
Senator JD Vance Proposes $5,000 Child Tax Credit, Aligning with Trump’s Views
Senator JD Vance has put forward a proposal to raise the child tax credit to $5,000 per child. This proposal echoes former President Trump’s support for higher credit amounts, reflecting a continued push for increased family support. During Trump’s presidency, the child tax credit was increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per child.
Vance’s proposal is part of the broader discussion on enhancing support for families, following the significant impact of previous credit expansions.
The debate over the child tax credit underscores the differing approaches to addressing family and child poverty and the ongoing efforts to find effective solutions.
