Bette Grande , Fargo

North Dakota families are facing extraordinary strain with the current spike in inflation coming on the heels of a global pandemic. Increasing childcare costs compound the pain that families across the state are feeling with grocery and gas prices going through the roof. One proposal from Washington is cutting through the noise to offer real relief for working-class families–the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

An updated proposal from Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Steve Daines (R-MT) would improve the Child Tax Credit benefit in several ways. It offers a monthly cash benefit for each young and school-age child, putting money in the pockets of parents to use at their discretion. Rather than a one-time payment, this recurring monthly installment would provide parents with needed help to meet daily expenses, their childcare expenses, and how they educate their children.

Importantly, this proposal would ensure that the program’s benefits begin during pregnancy. Too often, many expecting mothers feel the economic pressure of raising a child long before that child is in their arms. The CTC would offer much-needed relief and reassurance to these anxious mothers, so they can plan for their children’s education and upbringing.

Meanwhile, the tax credit can ease financial pressures that too often make the responsibilities of parenting overwhelming. Families would have more flexibility with resources rather than reliance on poorly run government programs that keep them in the poverty cycle.

The CTC is also a direct investment in local businesses and communities, particularly rural ones facing critical workforce shortages like we are in North Dakota. It includes a work requirement and provides equal treatment to both working and stay-at-home parents for their personal choices.

Conservatives have long supported the Child Tax Credit to assist working families. As we head into the midterms and a new Congress, the CTC is the ideal opportunity for Republicans to lead with pro-life, pro-family, pro-growth policies. Congress can protect American families from rising costs and ensure the Child Tax Credit will provide lasting, long-term, benefits by instilling conservative values in its reform.