Did you know that South Dakota has the highest birth rate in the nation? Because of factors like this, we recently ranked fourth on the Family Structure Index. We’ve long understood a basic truth: the strength of our state rests on the strength of our families. Right now, the U.S. Senate has the chance to expand the Child Tax Credit – an effective and meaningful way for government to invest in families.
This credit has eased the financial burden for millions of parents by reducing their tax liability and returning a portion of their hard-earned dollars. But that relief is at risk, and could be cut in half.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) recently highlighted this reality by explaining, “…if we don’t extend the existing tax relief by the end of this year, then you will see the child tax credit go from a $2,000 child tax credit to $1,000 child tax credit. So every family in this country who has children would face, per child, a $1,000 tax increase.” Senator Thune is right to advocate for the extension of this critical tax relief to protect families from a significant financial setback.
Reach Out To Senators Thune and Rounds HERE
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Trump in 2017 doubled the credit to $2,000. Today, some leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, are calling for an even greater increase. On the campaign trail, JD Vance suggested raising the credit to $5,000 per child—a bold proposal that acknowledges the rising cost of raising a family.
Inflation has only intensified the urgency since it has eroded the value of the existing 2017 Child Tax Credit. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Inflation Calculator, the $2,000 tax credit from 2017 would need to exceed $2,600 today just to retain the same purchasing power. Families are feeling the squeeze, especially with the impact of inflation that’s mounted over the last several years. Just ask any parent shopping for groceries—they’re spending more but coming home with less. We’ve experienced this firsthand as our own family continues to grow.
Beyond individual financial relief, the Child Tax Credit reflects a broader cultural value: that raising children is not only a personal choice, but a public good. The government can’t build strong families, but it can support them. In shaping public policy, the government typically has three choices: to prohibit, to permit, or to promote. Promoting families—one of society’s most foundational institutions—should be a national priority.
The Family Structure Index ranks states based on key indicators such as fertility rates, poverty levels, family stability, and divorce rates. South Dakota’s fourth-place ranking is a point of pride—but also a reminder that we must continue working to strengthen families nationwide through thoughtful, supportive policies.
South Dakota leads the country with a fertility rate of 2.01 births per woman—the only state above 2.00. Although still below the 2.1 replacement rate, our state demonstrates what’s possible when families are supported and valued. Yet across the country, fertility rates continue to decline. That trend must be reversed if we hope to preserve a thriving future.
At its core, the Child Tax Credit is about one fundamental goal: helping families keep more of their hard-earned money. It’s a straightforward and effective tool the government uses to promote the well-being of society.
During his first term, President Trump partnered with Congress to double the Child Tax Credit—an expansion that must not only be preserved but significantly strengthened. Raising the credit would provide critical financial support to parents, helping them meet rising costs while fostering the stability and growth of American families. It’s a smart investment in the nation’s future—one that rewards work, strengthens households, and fuels long-term economic prosperity.
CLICK HERE to thank Senator Thune for raising awareness on this issue, and encourage both he and Senator Rounds to stand strong for families!
