Cortez Masto’s Child Tax Proposal: Helping Families or Growing Government?

Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, alongside her colleagues, has reintroduced the American Family Act. This legislation seeks to permanently enlarge the Child Tax Credit (CTC), significantly increasing federal spending under the guise of aiding middle-class and low-income families.

The proposed act aims to escalate the CTC from its current $2,000 per child to $6,360 for newborns, $4,320 for children aged one through six, and $3,600 for those aged six to seventeen. Such an increase would substantially widen the scope of government assistance, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and the potential for increased dependency on federal programs.

Senator Cortez Masto asserts that this move is essential for providing economic security to American families. However, critics argue that this approach mirrors the left’s habitual strategy: expanding government reach and increasing public reliance on federal aid, rather than promoting self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.

Furthermore, the act proposes monthly disbursements of these credits, effectively transforming the IRS into a welfare distribution entity. This shift could blur the lines between tax relief and direct government assistance, potentially disincentivizing work and personal initiative.

While the left touts the temporary reduction in child poverty rates during the pandemic as a success of such programs, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications. Expanding the CTC permanently could lead to increased federal deficits and place a heavier tax burden on hardworking Americans, all while fostering a culture of dependency.

As this proposal moves forward, one must question: Is expanding government aid the most effective path to economic prosperity, or should the focus be on policies that encourage personal responsibility, job creation, and economic freedom?