Strengthening American Families: A Call for Proactive Policies

As a pastor, I witness daily the essential role families play in the fabric of our communities, especially within Christian congregations. Families depend on robust communities for support, and in turn, communities rely on strong family units to flourish.

This intricate relationship prompts me to examine societal issues through a familial lens. Every proposal must be scrutinized for its impact on families. Does it enhance family unity? Does it fortify ties to local communities? Or does it create barriers that complicate family dynamics and make child-rearing more difficult?

In an era marked by declining birth rates, it is imperative to consider whether policies genuinely encourage men and women to establish families. Various factors contribute to this challenge, and while government actions are significant, they are not the sole determinant of family stability or growth. It’s vital to contextualize these policies within a larger framework of societal influences.

Government Policy: A Dual-Edged Sword

While some assert that government policy holds limited sway over the family structure, dismissing its potential influence would be a grave oversight. The current administration stands at a critical junction. It has the opportunity to implement reforms in the tax code that can significantly benefit working families. Enhancements to the Child Tax Credit, or CTC, present a timely intervention that could alleviate the financial strain on families.

Understanding the Child Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit serves as a financial lifeline for working families with dependents. Enhanced by former President Donald Trump in 2017, the credit increased to $2,000 per child, with a substantial portion refundable based on earned income. However, the purchasing power of $2,000 has diminished in the face of the current high costs associated with raising children—this reality weighs heavily on the families I serve.

Recent surveys indicate overwhelming public sentiment around this issue. Approximately 81% of respondents advocate for annual adjustments to the CTC to reflect rising living costs. Furthermore, 74% express a desire to increase the credit to $5,000 per child. There is also considerable support, with 78%, for a