As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is worth stepping back to consider not only where we have been, but how we continue to strengthen the foundation of this country. At a time when headlines are often dominated by uncertainty, there are still meaningful examples of progress that deserve attention. In fact, many families saw that progress firsthand when they filed their taxes this year.
Last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC) made significant changes to the tax code, with impacts that reach into healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. But for most households, the most immediate and meaningful changes have been those that support families directly. At a time when costs remain elevated, these provisions have provided real relief and a measure of stability for working parents.
A key voice in shaping these outcomes was Utah’s own Congressman, Blake Moore (CD-01), who began this Congress with a clear focus on strengthening support for families. His early proposals helped set the tone for what would ultimately become a broader, unified effort to prioritize working parents in federal policy.
One of the most visible changes is the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Now indexed to inflation, the credit will grow alongside the cost of living. The baseline credit increased from $2,000 to $2,200 per eligible child. For many families, that translated into a larger refund this year and a bit more breathing room in their household budgets. After several years of economic pressure, that kind of predictability matters.
What is less widely known is how this conversation began. In January 2025, just days into the new Congress, Rep. Moore introduced the Family First Act, a proposal that would have expanded the Child Tax Credit even further. It included enhanced support for young children and recognized that the financial realities of parenthood begin well before a child is born. The proposal drew support from a wide range of pro-family advocates and received praise from Governor Spencer Cox. While not all of those ideas were adopted in full, they helped move the discussion forward and created space for meaningful reform.
Even in its current form, the impact is significant. Research has shown that investments through the Child Tax Credit generate broader economic activity. In a state like Utah, where families tend to be larger and community ties run deep, those dollars circulate quickly and support local economies.
It is also worth noting that this approach did not come easily. There has long been skepticism, particularly among Republicans, toward expanding federal programs. That concern is not without merit. Complexity and inefficiency can undermine even well-intended policies. What made this effort different was its simplicity. The Child Tax Credit is straightforward. It allows families to make their own decisions without unnecessary layers of oversight. By focusing on that principle, Rep. Moore was able to build support across his conference and make a practical case for strengthening families without expanding bureaucracy.
That leadership helped shift the conversation. It reinforced the idea that supporting families is not just a social priority but an economic one. Strong families are essential to a strong workforce and a stable future. Policies that recognize that connection are more likely to stand the test of time.
Beyond the Child Tax Credit, additional provisions in the legislation provide further support. Incentives for paid family and medical leave encourage employers to offer benefits that help workers balance their responsibilities at home and at work. New savings opportunities for children give families another tool to plan for the future. Each of these steps reflects a broader commitment to putting families at the center of policy decisions.
The long-term impact of these changes will not be measured only in tax returns. It will be seen in stronger households, more stable communities, and a more resilient economy. For a state like Utah, that matters.
As we look ahead to the next chapter in our nation’s history, there is value in recognizing the policies that reinforce what matters most. Supporting families is not a partisan idea. It is a practical one. And when we get it right, the benefits extend far beyond any single piece of legislation.
Mark Shepherd is the Mayor of Clearfield
