The senator’s support for work requirements puts him at odds with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals, among other faith groups.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Sept. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
January 5, 2022
By Jack Jenkins
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As Democrats struggle to revive talks over the stalled Build Back Better bill, Sen. Joe Manchin is facing pushback from a spectrum of religious groups frustrated by his position on the child tax credit — including conservative-leaning faith organizations whose concerns he has championed in the past.
Debate over the Build Back Better Act, a sweeping social programs proposal and a core part of President Joe Biden’s domestic agenda, ground to a halt in December when Manchin declared he wouldn’t vote for the bill.
According to The Washington Post, negotiations broke down after the West Virginia Democrat floated an alternative proposal to White House officials, which maintained elements of the original legislation but omitted an expansion of the child tax credit, a popular provision that provides financial assistance to parents with children.
This week, Manchin told reporters he supports a child tax credit, which advocates say helps prevent child poverty — but only if it includes a work requirement for parents wishing to receive the benefit.
“I think there should be a work requirement,” Manchin told Business Insider. “I’ve been very, very direct on that.”
RELATED: Faith leaders arrested while protesting in support of Build Back Better bill
The plan would bar some of the poorest families from accessing the benefit, which was expanded last year under Biden’s stimulus law to allow most families to receive monthly payments of up to $300 per child. But the expansion expired last month, and if Manchin’s proposal for a work requirement — which he has suggested for months — were to become the new norm, families that do not pay federal income taxes due to lack of income would not receive the checks.
Manchin, a Catholic Democrat, is now at odds with religious groups such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, a group whose positions he has promoted in the past: When the USCCB, National Association of Evangelicals, Orthodox Union and other faith groups raised concerns about a provision of the Build Back Better bill requiring faith-run prekindergarten and child care programs to comply with federal nondiscrimination statutes, the West Virginia senator reportedly advocated for a change.
But when asked about the child tax credit, USCCB spokesperson Chieko Noguchi pointed to a Sept. 7 letter from bishops voicing support for the benefit expansion. The authors argued “it is especially important that the credit remain fully refundable to ensure the most economically vulnerable children benefit from this family support.”
Noguchi said the USCCB is “concerned that work requirements would undermine this goal and put the credit out of reach for those neediest children and their families.”
Manchin’s proposal has also pitted him against the National Association of Evangelicals. While the group has not taken a position on the Build Back Better Act as a whole, Galen Carey, the group’s vice president for government relations, has appeared at faith-themed events to express support for the bill’s child tax credit provision.
Asked this week about tying work requirements to the child tax credit, Carey was quick to express disapproval.
“We support making the child tax credit fully available to the families who need the help the most,” he said in a statement. “Work is critically important to human dignity but having a particular level of earned family income should not be a prerequisite to accessing support for their children. Full CTC refundability is what makes it such a powerful anti-poverty tool.”
In a previous statement sent to Religion News Service in December, Carey noted the benefit has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past and “has been expanded by both Republicans and Democrats.”
“Congress should act urgently to extend the Child Tax Credit, whether as part of a larger package or as a separate bill,” the statement read.
RELATED: As Biden’s agenda navigates Congress, faith groups lobby Manchin
Representatives for Manchin did not immediately respond to questions about the religious pushback, but faith groups have condemned Manchin’s position for months. Chief among them: the Poor People’s Campaign, a faith-led activist group that often advocates for liberal-leaning legislation. Poor People’s Campaign leaders staged large protests decrying Manchin throughout 2021 for several reasons, including opposition to his stance on the child tax credit.
While discussing Manchin’s suggestion of work requirements during a September news conference, the Rev. Liz Theoharis, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, described the idea as a “regression back to the tired debate of deserving and undeserving poor.”
She noted some Republicans have justified work requirements in other contexts by invoking a New Testament Scripture passage, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which reads: “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.” She insisted the passage, when taken in context, “does not blame the poor for moral failures that lead to poverty, nor does it suggest that work requirements should be attached to social programs.”
She added: “There is a moral critique, there is a constitutional critique, of the wealthy benefiting off the work of others, and other ways that the rich punish and oppress the poor.”
Can Biden's child tax credit be revived?
Mike Bebernes
·Senior Editor
Wed, January 5, 2022
Biden, Manchin set to resume talks over Build Back Better Act
What’s happening
The expanded child tax credit, a groundbreaking social program that gave millions of American families monthly checks from the federal government, expired at the end of the year.
The U.S. has had a child tax credit since the 1990s, but when Democrats passed their $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package in March, they made three major changes that transformed it from a typical end-of-year tax write-off to the closest thing the country has ever had to a child allowance. The bill increased the size of the credit from $2,000 to up to $3,600, issued checks monthly and changed eligibility rules so low-income parents who had been left out under the previous system could receive the full benefit.
The first checks, for either $250 or $300 depending on the age of the child, went out to about 35 million families in July. Democrats were hoping to include a long-term extension in President Biden’s Build Back Better legislation, but the program expired when they weren’t able to reach an agreement on the sweeping social spending plan before the end of the year. Even though it lasted for only a few months, studies suggest that the monthly checks helped keep struggling families afloat and significantly reduced child poverty.
Disagreement over the child tax credit is reportedly one of the thorniest issues that have prevented a deal from being reached. Conservative Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, whose vote is needed to pass any version of Biden’s agenda, appears to be particularly opposed to the credit — even reportedly saying that parents would spend the money they received on drugs. In late December, Manchin reportedly presented Biden with a $1.8 trillion package that he’d be willing to support. The expanded child tax credit was not part of that plan.
Why there’s debate
Manchin’s apparent opposition to the expanded child tax credit is considered by many as a signal that the program is gone for good. But there’s some optimism that he could be convinced to include it in a final version of Build Back Better, if a deal is reached at all.
Some political analysts say it’s possible that pressure from his Democratic colleagues and his constituents could push Manchin to drop his objections. Others believe he could be convinced to accept a trimmed-down version of the credit that potentially includes smaller checks, targets support only to the neediest families or imposes other restrictions like a work requirement.
There is also hope for alternative paths to support parents outside of the Build Back Better framework, some say. Specific attention has been paid to a proposal from Republican Sen. Mitt Romney that would create a more direct child allowance system to provide monthly benefits to families through the Social Security Administration rather than as a tax credit. In theory, Romney could give Democrats the 50th vote needed to pass a plan without Manchin’s support. Enthusiasm for the short-lived federal program could also prompt some states and cities to create their own versions, others say.
What’s next
Monthly checks have stopped, but parents can still expect one boost from the expanded child tax credit. The program ran for only half the year, meaning families can claim the other half — up to $1,800 per child — when they file their taxes.
Perspectives
A smaller, more targeted version of the credit might be acceptable to Manchin
“The child tax credit itself should be more targeted and last longer. … The child tax credit increases could also be focused on younger children by retaining the full increase for children under 3 but scaling it back for older children. Finally, the credit could be phased out more rapidly as incomes rise, focusing help on those who need it most.” — Jason Furman, Wall Street Journal
Manchin may be more susceptible to pressure on the child tax credit than other policies
“Normally, Manchin gets pressure on social issues from the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party. This criticism from the wider party is fuel for his positioning and policy goals within the state. On such issues, the more criticism he receives from the left, the better. … The public pressure on child tax credits is not the norm and does not offer the same pivot for Manchin. West Virginians value programs like the child tax credit.” — Samuel Workman, Conversation
It may be impossible to sell Manchin on supporting the child tax credit
“Manchin’s various rationales just don’t add up. Unless his bottom line is that he just doesn’t want to extend the policy no matter what — or even worse wants to kill all of BBB — and is just looking for an excuse to do so.” — Greg Sargent, Washington Post
Lack of full-throated public support limits how much pressure Manchin will feel
“When the policy first passed in March, many experts hailed its potential to cut child poverty and hunger, and many Democrats hoped regular cash in families’ pockets would prove wildly popular. But the public’s appraisal has been less glowing. … As the party continues to debate whether and how to resurrect the expanded credit, polls generally suggest that Americans have reservations about making it a more lasting fixture of the social safety net.” — Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times
Romney could prove to be the savior of Biden’s family-benefit agenda
“With Manchin clearly out on child tax credit, it’s time to separate the plan from Build Back Better and work to get it passed with bipartisan support. Romney, to his credit, already has a plan which closely mirrors that of the Democrat party. This option is a clear win-win-win.” — Toph Cottle, Salt Lake Tribune
Replacing the credit with Romney’s plan would be a win for American families
“To be sure, the Romney plan is not perfect. … But even with these flaws, it’s still quite a good benefit that is better than the status quo and, in my view, even better than the CTC the Democrats were trying to pass in the BBB legislation. Democrats should work with Romney to pass this plan.” — Matt Breunig, People’s Policy Project
States could create their own programs
“Frustrated on a national level, some lawmakers are shifting their focus to state-level child tax credits to offer families a safety net.” — Ursula Perano, Daily Beast
The country will be better off if the expanded credit is gone for good
“Why aren’t they making those bigger monthly checks permanent, as President Joe Biden and other key Democrats have said they intend? It’s simple: It would come at a staggering cost.” — Matt Weidinger, Washington Examiner
Is there a topic you’d like to see covered in “The 360”? Send your suggestions to the360@yahoonews.com.
Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images
Mike Bebernes
·Senior Editor
Wed, January 5, 2022
Biden, Manchin set to resume talks over Build Back Better Act
What’s happening
The expanded child tax credit, a groundbreaking social program that gave millions of American families monthly checks from the federal government, expired at the end of the year.
The U.S. has had a child tax credit since the 1990s, but when Democrats passed their $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package in March, they made three major changes that transformed it from a typical end-of-year tax write-off to the closest thing the country has ever had to a child allowance. The bill increased the size of the credit from $2,000 to up to $3,600, issued checks monthly and changed eligibility rules so low-income parents who had been left out under the previous system could receive the full benefit.
The first checks, for either $250 or $300 depending on the age of the child, went out to about 35 million families in July. Democrats were hoping to include a long-term extension in President Biden’s Build Back Better legislation, but the program expired when they weren’t able to reach an agreement on the sweeping social spending plan before the end of the year. Even though it lasted for only a few months, studies suggest that the monthly checks helped keep struggling families afloat and significantly reduced child poverty.
Disagreement over the child tax credit is reportedly one of the thorniest issues that have prevented a deal from being reached. Conservative Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, whose vote is needed to pass any version of Biden’s agenda, appears to be particularly opposed to the credit — even reportedly saying that parents would spend the money they received on drugs. In late December, Manchin reportedly presented Biden with a $1.8 trillion package that he’d be willing to support. The expanded child tax credit was not part of that plan.
Why there’s debate
Manchin’s apparent opposition to the expanded child tax credit is considered by many as a signal that the program is gone for good. But there’s some optimism that he could be convinced to include it in a final version of Build Back Better, if a deal is reached at all.
Some political analysts say it’s possible that pressure from his Democratic colleagues and his constituents could push Manchin to drop his objections. Others believe he could be convinced to accept a trimmed-down version of the credit that potentially includes smaller checks, targets support only to the neediest families or imposes other restrictions like a work requirement.
There is also hope for alternative paths to support parents outside of the Build Back Better framework, some say. Specific attention has been paid to a proposal from Republican Sen. Mitt Romney that would create a more direct child allowance system to provide monthly benefits to families through the Social Security Administration rather than as a tax credit. In theory, Romney could give Democrats the 50th vote needed to pass a plan without Manchin’s support. Enthusiasm for the short-lived federal program could also prompt some states and cities to create their own versions, others say.
What’s next
Monthly checks have stopped, but parents can still expect one boost from the expanded child tax credit. The program ran for only half the year, meaning families can claim the other half — up to $1,800 per child — when they file their taxes.
Perspectives
A smaller, more targeted version of the credit might be acceptable to Manchin
“The child tax credit itself should be more targeted and last longer. … The child tax credit increases could also be focused on younger children by retaining the full increase for children under 3 but scaling it back for older children. Finally, the credit could be phased out more rapidly as incomes rise, focusing help on those who need it most.” — Jason Furman, Wall Street Journal
Manchin may be more susceptible to pressure on the child tax credit than other policies
“Normally, Manchin gets pressure on social issues from the more liberal wing of the Democratic Party. This criticism from the wider party is fuel for his positioning and policy goals within the state. On such issues, the more criticism he receives from the left, the better. … The public pressure on child tax credits is not the norm and does not offer the same pivot for Manchin. West Virginians value programs like the child tax credit.” — Samuel Workman, Conversation
It may be impossible to sell Manchin on supporting the child tax credit
“Manchin’s various rationales just don’t add up. Unless his bottom line is that he just doesn’t want to extend the policy no matter what — or even worse wants to kill all of BBB — and is just looking for an excuse to do so.” — Greg Sargent, Washington Post
Lack of full-throated public support limits how much pressure Manchin will feel
“When the policy first passed in March, many experts hailed its potential to cut child poverty and hunger, and many Democrats hoped regular cash in families’ pockets would prove wildly popular. But the public’s appraisal has been less glowing. … As the party continues to debate whether and how to resurrect the expanded credit, polls generally suggest that Americans have reservations about making it a more lasting fixture of the social safety net.” — Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times
Romney could prove to be the savior of Biden’s family-benefit agenda
“With Manchin clearly out on child tax credit, it’s time to separate the plan from Build Back Better and work to get it passed with bipartisan support. Romney, to his credit, already has a plan which closely mirrors that of the Democrat party. This option is a clear win-win-win.” — Toph Cottle, Salt Lake Tribune
Replacing the credit with Romney’s plan would be a win for American families
“To be sure, the Romney plan is not perfect. … But even with these flaws, it’s still quite a good benefit that is better than the status quo and, in my view, even better than the CTC the Democrats were trying to pass in the BBB legislation. Democrats should work with Romney to pass this plan.” — Matt Breunig, People’s Policy Project
States could create their own programs
“Frustrated on a national level, some lawmakers are shifting their focus to state-level child tax credits to offer families a safety net.” — Ursula Perano, Daily Beast
The country will be better off if the expanded credit is gone for good
“Why aren’t they making those bigger monthly checks permanent, as President Joe Biden and other key Democrats have said they intend? It’s simple: It would come at a staggering cost.” — Matt Weidinger, Washington Examiner
Is there a topic you’d like to see covered in “The 360”? Send your suggestions to the360@yahoonews.com.
Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images
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