WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) has introduced legislation into the 119th Congress that will provide renewed tax relief for American families.
“The Family First Act will streamline antiquated federal tax policies into an enhanced Child Tax Credit (CTC) for working families and a new tax credit for pregnant mothers,” Moore said, after introducing the proposed legislation on Jan. 13.
“”This fiscally responsible approach affirms the dignity of work and promotes marriage by supporting families as they build stronger and more prosperous communities for the new generation.”
Upholding the incoming Trump administration’s promise to support working families, Moore’s proposal would build on the pro-family tax policies enacted in the Trump era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that are set to expire at the end of 2025.
The Family First Act has won the support of Utah Governor Spencer Cox and a host of conservative non-profit advocacy groups.
Those include organizations like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America; the March for Life Action; the National Right to Life; the American Principles Project; Americans United for Life; the Faith & Freedom Coalition; Feminists for Life; the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty; and Catholic Vote.
Members of Moore’s staff on Capitol Hill explain that President Donald Trump and GOP congressmen and women doubled the Child Tax Credit in 2017, providing families with the financial security and flexibility needed the raise their children.
But the CTC is scheduled to return to just $1,000 annually at the end of this year.
Moore said that the 119th Congress now has a historic opportunity to boost the CTC and provide relief from inflation, support working families from pregnancy through childhood, eliminate marriage penalties and encourage a renewed work ethic, all without adding to the national deficit.
The 2020 Census indicated that the U.S. fertility rate has dropped to 1.67 children per woman, which is less than the replacement rate of 2.1 children.
A 2023 poll by the Gallup organization found that while 44 percent of Americans believe that two children is an ideal size family, another 45 percent favor having three or more children.
All too often, government policies, the economy and culture issues have failed to support Americans’ dreams of building families, according to Moore’s staff.
But the Family First Act would increase the CTC to $4,200 for families with a child between birth and the age of five. The CTC for children aged 6 to 17 would be $3,000 annually. Families would be able to claim the tax credit for up to six children on an annual basis.
Moore’s proposal would also establish a $2,800 tax credit for mothers during their pregnancy.
The Family First Act would also simplify regulations governing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to benefit families.
The revenue impact of Moore’s proposal is offset by consolidation and simplifying the EITC; eliminating the child/dependent care tax credit; repealing the head of household filing status; and maintaining a $10,000 cap on deductions for state and local taxes.
“I bring Utah’s values to everything I do in Washington,” Moore concluded. “At the heart of our state’s dynamic growth and strong economic mobility are thriving families and communities.
“This year – with the expiration of provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – we have a historic opportunity to champion pro-family policies.”