Statewide of Iowa — Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion is proposing an increase to the federal child tax credit as part of a package she says will support women during and after pregnancy.
The 2021 US bailout that Hinson opposed increased the tax credit for low- and middle-income parents of children under 17. and 15% more for parents with children aged 6 to 16.
The legislation would allow parents to withdraw their future Social Security benefits for three months, to support parental leave after the birth of a baby. The bill would make it easier for faith-based organizations to obtain federal grants for social service programs, including those that counsel and support pregnant women. Abortion rights advocates say some centers seek to delay and confuse women considering abortions. Hinson says all institutions that help pregnant women should live up to what they promise.
Hinson’s bill would also make the federal adoption tax credit refundable.
Hinson’s bill in the US House is identical to a Florida Republican, Marco Rubio, introduced in the US Senate. Hinson did not indicate that the bill is an alternative to another senator’s proposed nationwide ban on most abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. Hinson described his bill as a statement of value and said the timing was important to introduce it to the public. Liz Mathis of Hiawatha, is the Democrat running against Hinson in Iowa’s second congressional district. Mathis says Hinson’s plan rings hollow and is an attempt to hide his support for a national abortion ban.
