Should the U.S. enact a universal child allowance?
Past Event
Panel 1: Setting the context

Panel 1: Setting the context

Panel 2: Proposals for a universal child allowance

Keynote Remarks - Robert Doar

Keynote Remarks - The Honorable Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)
The current tax system provides financial support to some families with children through the administration of a Child Tax Credit (CTC), which can be worth as much as $1,000 per child, in addition to the support provided through the long-standing child tax exemption. Though several policymakers have proposed expanding or amending the CTC to provide additional assistance, the idea of a Universal Child Allowance—which would instead provide a cash grant to all families with children—is also gaining increased attention as a way to help families meet the costs associated with raising a child. Why do countries around the world have such a program and would it make sense in the U.S.? What would such an allowance look like and what would be its benefits and costs?
On May 1, the Center on Children and Families at Brookings—along with the American Enterprise Institute, the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions, the University of Wisconsin’s Institute for Research on Poverty, and Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy—hosted leading experts to discuss the current safety net and potential benefits and costs of a Universal Child Allowance. The event included presentations and discussions of two new papers by proponents of the Universal Child Allowance, and concluded with keynote remarks by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).
Agenda
Introduction
Ron Haskins
Senior Fellow Emeritus - Economic Studies
Jane Waldfogel
Compton Foundation Centennial Professor of Social Work for the Prevention of Children’s and Youth Problems - Columbia University
Panel 1: Setting the context
Kathy Edin of Johns Hopkins University will present on “Problems with the Current U.S. Safety Net,” after which Vonnie McLoyd of the University of Michigan will present on “Why Money Matters.” A panel discussion will take place moderated by Richard V. Reeves.
Kathy Edin
Professor - Johns Hopkins University
Vonnie McLoyd
Professor - University of Michigan
Panel 2: Proposals for a universal child allowance
Following a presentation by Columbia University’s Chris Wimer of his paper “A universal child allowance: A plan to reduce poverty and income instability among children,” and Samuel Hammond of the Niskanen Center of his paper “Toward a universal child benefit,” AEI’s Aparna Mathur will lead a panel discussion of proposals for a universal child allowance.
Chris Wimer
Co-Director, Center on Poverty and Social Policy - Columbia University
Melissa Boteach
Vice President, Poverty to Prosperity Program - Center for American Progress
Scott Winship
Resident Scholar Director of Poverty Studies - American Enterprise Institute
Former Brookings Expert
Maria Cancian
Professor - University of Wisconsin
Keynote Remarks
Robert Doar
President and Morgridge Fellow in Poverty Studies - American Enterprise Institute
Keynote Remarks
Jared Bernstein
Member, Council of Economic Advisers - The White House
Former Senior Fellow - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
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