Some Republican lawmakers want to give families a bigger tax break—if they’re raising kids. A new bill would raise the child tax credit but take away other popular deductions in return.
Key Facts:
- Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the “Family First Act.”
- The plan raises the child tax credit to $4,200 for kids under 6 and $3,000 for older children, with a new $2,800 credit for pregnant women.
- The bill removes the head-of-household filing status, dependent exemptions, and the SALT deduction.
- The child credit is fully refundable and adjusts for inflation; phase-out begins at $200K for single and $400K for joint filers.
- The proposal comes ahead of the 2017 Trump tax cuts set to expire at the end of 2025.
The Rest of The Story:
The “Family First Act” aims to revise federal tax law by prioritizing family benefits.
Central to the bill is an expanded child tax credit: $4,200 per child under age six, and $3,000 for older children, with families allowed to claim credits for up to six children.
It also introduces a novel $2,800 credit for pregnant mothers starting at 20 weeks.
To pay for these credits, the bill eliminates other tax provisions, including the head-of-household filing status, the dependent exemption, and the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, which benefits residents in high-tax states.
These cuts have caused pushback from some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Last week, I introduced the Family First Act, which would expand the Child Tax Credit and strengthen support for working families across the country.
This is a commonsense solution that’s going to put more hard-earned money back into the pockets of Hoosier families. pic.twitter.com/6nrXVZR9cY
— Senator Jim Banks (@SenatorBanks) April 24, 2025
Commentary:
This bill takes a bold step toward reinforcing the family unit, which has long been the backbone of American society.
Giving families more breathing room financially is a worthwhile goal, especially as inflation eats into household budgets.
A refundable tax credit that helps raise children and even supports pregnancy recognizes the high cost of parenthood and signals that family life is something worth backing.
However, fairness is an open question.
For single filers—whether never married or divorced—this bill eliminates helpful tools like the head-of-household status and the dependent exemption, which often provided much-needed relief.
If tax policy tilts too far in favor of married families, those who fall outside that structure might end up paying more, which doesn’t feel like equal treatment under the law.
What’s really needed is a broader tax overhaul.
Simplifying the system could remove the guesswork—and the need for accountants—especially for ordinary Americans who can’t afford a tax adviser.
At the same time, cutting out loopholes would help ensure that higher-income earners pay their fair share, something both sides of the aisle should be able to agree on.
This bill is a step in the right direction for families, but unless Congress looks at the full picture, we risk creating a tax code that still leaves too many behind.
The Bottom Line:
The “Family First Act” proposes expanded child and pregnancy tax credits but would eliminate other deductions, causing friction across party lines.
While it promotes strong families, it may penalize single filers and those in high-tax states.
As the 2017 tax cuts near expiration, Republicans have limited time to act.
A broader, simpler tax reform may better serve all Americans.
Read Next
– Activist Federal Judge Makes Decision in Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case
– Second Federal Judge Orders Trump Admin to Return Another Criminal From El Salvador
– Iconic Weight Loss Company to File For Bankruptcy Within Weeks
– Idiot Scientists Set to Dim The Sun ‘Within Weeks’ to Stop Climate Change
– Nationwide Fast Food Chain Set to Close Hundreds of Restaurants