Dozens of Connecticut lawmakers lobbied for a new child tax credit – worth up to $1,800 per year – on Wednesday.

Parents may like the idea, but it faces a tough road ahead with Gov. Ned Lamont and Republicans. Both are pitching their own versions of tax relief.

Warmer weather means Rick Kuzoian can finally take his grandson to the playground.

He's helping out 2 year-old Troy’s parents, who both have to work just to make ends meet.

“My daughter-in-law works, like a lot of young couples these days,” Kuzoian said. “And housing prices – I mean, rents, housing prices are off the charts.”

That’s why more than 70 state lawmakers are pushing for a refundable child tax credit.

“Too many families are simply struggling to make ends meet in our state,” said state Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford).

Two bills are under consideration. Both would offer parents a state tax credit for up to three children – worth $600 per child. One of the proposals offers the full $600 credit right away, while the other phases it in over three years.

Both bills are targeted at low- and middle-income households by either excluding, or phasing out, families making more than $200,000 per year.

“If you look what’s happening in Washington, they're thinking the exact opposite,” said Connecticut House Speaker Matt Ritter (D-Hartford). “Instead of providing credits and help to families who are trying to raise two young children, they're going to provide tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.”

Congress boosted the federal child tax credit during the COVID pandemic, but that has since expired.

Having Ritter on board could boost the chances of passing a child tax credit, but it still faces long odds.

The idea has been rejected for several years because of objections from Lamont, who prefers simpler relief, like the income tax cut he signed in 2023.

This year, the governor pitching a modest property tax cut and Universal Preschool to help parents.

“Providing pre-K and pre-school spaces at no cost for all families earning up to $100,000,” Lamont told lawmakers on Feb. 5. “Saving parents thousands of dollars and giving them the freedom to get back to work – because parents, our businesses need you.”

Lamont also increased the state's Earned Income Tax Credit for working poor families, starting with 2024 tax returns that are now being filed.

In addition, the state sent relief checks to a quarter-million families in 2022.

Meantime, Republicans are pushing for an income tax cut and more deductions.

“What we don’t recognize in the state of Connecticut is our working poor, and so, a child tax deduction would recognize that,” said Connecticut House GOP leader Vin Candelora (R-North Branford). “It would be an offset to the income tax that you earn, as opposed to essentially a welfare benefit.”

Back at the playground, Kuzoian just hopes his kids get some sort of relief.

“There’s a lot of groups that have needs, and I’d like to see everybody be helped out,” he said. “But I have to admit, I guess I’m somewhat biased.”

Ultimately, any tax credits would be included in the new two year state budget. Lawmakers will propose their own tax plan this spring, then negotiate a final deal with Lamont.

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