The New York Times – February 18, 2021
In the debate kicked off by Senator Mitt Romney’s family plan, a saying keeps coming into my head: “Every baby comes with a loaf of bread under her arm.” I’ve always interpreted it as an affirmation of the dignity of need and the need to provide: The baby brings the hunger, and then it’s the job of everyone within earshot to come over with the bread.
Mr. Romney’s proposed child-benefit program is a step in the right direction and is as unconditional as the baby’s need. It would include monthly payments to families of up to $350 per child; moreover, it would be universal. That has made it a target of some conservatives, who prefer a narrower approach with tax relief. There is dignity in work, but we should support more than just work done for wages.