When it comes to tax reform, it’s bound to happen that certain tax credits are going to get cut, and when they do, some people are going to get upset. Oftentimes, there’s not much that can be done once certain tax credit gets changed or cut out completely, but Evangelical Christians were able to save one tax credit they feel Americans shouldn’t go without – and that’s the adoption tax credit.
Recently cut by House Republicans, the popular tax credit seemed destined to disappear from the current tax proposal. However, the threat of losing the adoption tax credit drew instantaneous criticism. Some of the most vocal opponents of the decision included Evangelical leaders like Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family and David French, senior fellow at National Review Institute.
Conservative blogger, Erick Erickson also chimed in saying, “What the hell are they thinking? The GOP claims to be the pro-family, pro-life party, but they are funding Planned Parenthood and killing an adoption tax credit that literally helps families adopt children.”
Thanks to the outcry, the House Ways and Means Committee voted to preserve the adoption tax credit.
According to committee chairman Kevin Brady, “We’ve had very thoughtful discussions about it over the past few days. So with this amendment, we’re proposing to preserve this credit … to ensure that parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child.”
Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), stated he was very grateful when finding out the tax credit had been saved. “It is in the national interest to see to it that vulnerable children are protected, not exiled in a system. I’m glad to see that interest upheld rather than torpedoed in the Senate’s proposal.”
The adoption process is very expensive, which is why this tax credit is so important to Evangelicals, a group that is known to advocate for adoption.
According to the most recent statistics, adoption in the United States can cost up to nearly $40,000. International adoption can cost more than that, depending on which country is involved. For example, when adopting from South Korea or Ethiopia, the cost can range from $43,796 to $45,960.
Contemporary Christian music artist, Steven Curtis Chapman, who has adopted 3 girls from China, says, “We have met hundreds of families who want to adopt, but can’t do so because of the significant costs.”
Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth are the founders of Show Hope, an adoption advocacy organization. “Losing the adoption tax credit, a vital and practical approach to overcoming the financial cost that prohibits many families from adopting, would be catastrophic for thousands of American parents hoping to adopt and the precious children waiting for a family,” says the Chapmans.
The adoption tax credit, which was created in 1981, started off as a $1,500 tax deduction that applied toward the adoption of special needs children. In 1997, the tax deduction became a tax credit. In its current form, taxpayers within a certain income bracket can receive a tax credit of up to $13,570 for qualifying expenses for each adopted child. The tax credit can be used for any kind of adoption, including International and foster care adoption.
Christians are considered to be pro-adoption because they see it as an alternative for abortion. In fact, only 2 percent of all Americans who have adopted a child, whereas 5 percent of adoptive parents are of the Christian faith.
Mallory Quigley from the pro-life organization, Susan B. Anthony List says, “Part of the pro-life message is promoting adoption as the loving option.”
The right-to-life movement has long promoted adoption as an alternative for single mothers facing unexpected pregnancies, offering them a viable alternative to abortion. Keeping the adoption process easier for families who want to adopt can offer encouragement to those mothers considering adoption as an alternative,” says National Right to Life president, Carol Tobias.
Nebraska Senator, Ben Sasse agrees. “Being pro-life means being pro-adoption. Congress must remember this as we work through the details of tax reform in the coming weeks.”
There are two separate tax bills that will need to be reconciled before getting signed by President Trump. Republicans hope to meet their goal of overhauling the tax system by the end of the year. It’s a daunting task to say the least, as the last major overhaul of the tax system took place 31 years ago in 1986.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
