Democrats, stop protecting the rich

In a remarkable reversal of tradition, some Republicans have proposed a generous, broad-based federal benefit that Democrats are likely to oppose because it soaks the rich – their rich.

U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney, RUtah, and his GOP colleagues Richard Burr of North Carolina and Steve Daines of Montana, have created what they call the

Family Security Act 2.0. The bill would revive one of the best parts of President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better proposal, its permanent expansion of the child tax credit.

The proposal would be completely paid for by reform of the confusing earned income tax credit and, most importantly, repeal of the state and local tax deduction. The SALT deduction is a regressive giveaway to high earners in high tax jurisdictions — generally blue states and urban areas.

The plan mirrors Biden’s plan in key respects. For every child younger than 5, families would receive $350 per month, and for every child age 6 to 17, $250. Families would also receive $700 a month for the final four months of pregnancy.

Families must make $10,000 a year to receive the full benefit. Families under that threshold would receive a percent of the benefit. The benefit also decreases for wealthier families.

The plan would be a major step forward. Biden would get a centerpiece of his Build Back Better plan and Republicans a major piece of pro-work family policy.

Passing the Family Security Act 2.0 wouldn’t just help families and children across America. It might restore just a little bit of hope in our political system.