First Kamala steals Trump’s ‘No Tax on Tips’ policy and now she steals this too?
Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed a new policy initiative that aligns with ideas traditionally supported by Republicans: an expanded child tax credit. In a speech delivered in North Carolina, Harris unveiled her plan to offer a substantial $6,000 child tax credit for families during the first year of a child’s life, according to Axios. This move comes as families often face significant financial strain during this crucial period, particularly when they have to take time off work to care for a newborn.
This proposal follows a similar Republican-led initiative from just a few days prior. Senator J.D. Vance, the GOP’s vice presidential candidate from Ohio, recently advocated for increasing the child tax credit to $5,000 as part of a broader effort to support family-friendly policies. His call for a larger credit reflects a growing consensus among Republicans on the importance of bolstering support for families.
Interestingly, Harris’ endorsement of an idea initially proposed by former President Donald Trump—a tax exemption for tips earned by service and hospitality workers—has raised eyebrows. While Trump’s proposal was met with skepticism by some Democrats, who labeled it as a “bogus” attempt to garner votes, Harris’ embrace of this policy signals a shift in her approach to economic issues.
In the context of ongoing debates about economic policy, it’s noteworthy that President Joe Biden’s budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year also includes plans to expand the child tax credit. Biden’s proposal aims to raise the credit from $2,000 to $3,000 for children aged 6 and above, and from $2,000 to $3,600 for younger children, echoing a temporary increase seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the economy remains a top concern for voters, both major parties are vying to demonstrate their capability to address rising inflation and economic pressures. Harris’ economic agenda, which also includes measures to reduce housing and rental costs, assist states in canceling medical debt, and enforce a federal ban on price gouging, represents her strategy to tackle these challenges. Additionally, her plans involve enhancing tax benefits for working-class Americans, including expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and reducing health insurance premiums for those using the Obamacare marketplace.
In this competitive landscape, Harris’ policies are designed to resonate with voters by offering practical solutions to pressing economic issues.