Source: Niskanen Center
by Joshua McCabe
“One of the most significant state-level innovations in family policy over the past two decades has been the proliferation of fully refundable child tax credits (CTC). New York led the way in 2006 with the introduction of the Empire State Child Credit, offering eligible families a minimum $100 per child if they have little or no earnings. Since 2021, 10 more states have introduced similar fully refundable CTCs. Research on similar credits at both the federal level and internationally has demonstrated positive outcomes for child development and health, as well as significant reductions in child poverty. Still, some critics argue that fully refundable credits, by being unconditional, risk recreating many of the problems associated with the pre-1996 system of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).” (09/24/24)