[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                INTRODUCTION OF THE CHILD TAX RELIEF ACT

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                          HON. BRAD ELLSWORTH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2007

  Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, as I traveled around the 8th 
Congressional District during this last recess, I heard from many 
Hoosiers concerned about their tax burdens. These burdens are 
especially prevalent for new parents starting a family.
  Parents across Indiana are struggling to balance work and family; to 
meet the costs of raising a family while spending quality time with 
their children. It ought to be easier.
  What I heard from my constituents convinced me to introduce the Child 
Tax Relief Act. The bill will double the child tax credit to $2,000 in 
the first year of a child's life, or in the first year after a child is 
adopted, to help parents defray the costs of a new child at home.
  Middle class families spend an average of $20,000 on a child before 
he or she turns two years old. New parents have enough to worry about 
already; they shouldn't have to lose sleep over their finances too. The 
bill gives new parents a much-deserved break when they need it most.
  I encourage my colleagues to co-sponsor this legislation and join me 
in bringing some needed relief to American families.

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