WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week,Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Family First Act. The bill would strengthen support for working families by expanding the Child Tax Credit to $4,200 for children under age 6 and $3,000 for all other children—covering up to six kids per family. It also creates a new $2,800 tax credit for pregnant mothers. Additionally, the bill simplifies the Earned Income Tax Credit and eliminates unfair tax breaks like the state and local tax deduction for wealthy individuals. Rep. Blake Moore (UT-01) is leading in the House. Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Congress needs to do everything we can to help parents give

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), North America’s largest firefighters union, seeking information on how private equity consolidation is impacting firefighters and public safety in Indiana, Massachusetts, and across the country. In Indiana, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam has raised concerns about rising costs and delays in emergency vehicle deliveries. The estimated cost of a new pumper truck increased by roughly 10 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, while the wait time for a new tiller apparatus now exceeds four years. Read more about the letter here.

WASHINGTON, D.C, – Last week, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Returning Education to Our States Act. This bill eliminates the Department of Education and returns control of education policy and funding to the states through federal block grants. It transfers key programs, like student aid, vocational training, and special education, to other federal agencies while preserving protections like FERPA and Title IX. The bill ensures a smooth transition and maintains civil rights enforcement and continuity of services during the process. Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “While the average Dept of Ed bureaucrat makes twice as much as a teacher in