Sandra Hofferth quoted in the Epoch Times
Democrats and Republicans may have found an issue that they can both agree on. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) says that he is open to President Obama’s suggestion of raising the childcare tax credit to help families with two working parents. The proposal would create a second-earner tax credit of $500 and would triple the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which is a 50 percent tax credit on a family’s daycare costs, from $2,000 to $6,000.
MPRC faculty associate Sandra Hofferth told reporters, “This is like a business expense for someone who uses a uniform or gas, something required for employment.” If passed by Congress, the tax credit would leave working parents with more disposable income, and could even increase labor force participation among women because it makes childcare more affordable.