Published: March 08, 2007 11:52 pm         

Ellsworth proposes first bill in Congress

WASHINGTON — In response to constituent comments about reducing taxes during his latest listening tour, Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind., on Thursday introduced legislation to ease the tax burden on new parents. The Child Tax Relief Act is the first legislation introduced by Ellsworth, the newly elected 8th District congressman.

“As I traveled around the district, I heard from many Hoosiers concerned about the tax burdens they face,” Ellsworth said. “Right now, parents across Indiana are struggling to balance work and family; to meet the costs of raising a family and spend quality time with their children. It ought to be easier.”

Middle-class families spend an average of $20,000 on a child before he or she turns 2. The Child Tax Relief Act will double the child tax credit to $2,000 in the first year of a child’s life, or in the first year after a child is adopted, to help parents defray the costs of a new child at home.

“New parents have enough to worry about already; they shouldn’t have to lose sleep over their finances, too,” Ellsworth said.

“The bill gives new parents a much-deserved break when they need it most.”

The bill is the next in a series of steps Ellsworth has taken to lower the tax burden on Hoosiers. Last month he supported tax cuts for small businesses hiring wounded veterans and disadvantaged workers.

“I will continue to listen and respond to the people of south and west Indiana on these and other issues that keep them up at night,” Ellsworth said. “And I’ll be looking for more common-sense, fiscally sound ideas to lower taxes for Hoosiers.”