By Elizabeth Troutman |

A bill introduced to the House of Representatives would uplift families during the first year of their newborn’s life. 

U.S. Representative David Schweikert, a Republican, introduced the Family Growth and Investment Act on Feb. 20. The bill provides families with a one-time tax deduction for non-medical expenses like car seats, strollers, and cribs which are otherwise costly and can deter Americans from raising children.

“I am proud to introduce the Family Growth and Investment Act to support one of the most important decisions that hard working Americans can make — to start and grow a family,” Schweikert said. 

Families spend approximately $13,000 per child annually and will spend over $233,000 for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise a child through the age of 18, according to the news release. 

Schweikert said he hopes the bill eases that burden on parents during a stressful and financially challenging time of life. 

“For many parents, the annual costs of the first years of a child’s life can be daunting regardless of how they raise their family,” Schweikert said. “Already, CBO [the Congressional Budget Office] is projecting that by 2042, there will be more deaths than births in the United States. This pro-family legislation will make it easier for Arizonans and Americans everywhere to enjoy one of life’s greatest gifts.”  

The legislation allows for a one-time, above-the-line tax deduction of up to $5,000 for non-medical essential expenses, like bottles, diapers, baby formula, cribs, strollers, and car seats. 

The income limit is $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for joint filers.

The bill is headed for the House Committee on Ways and Means, which Schweikert sits on.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to help advance this bill and make the American dream more attainable than ever,” the 61-year-old state representative said. 

Elizabeth Troutman is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send her news tips using this link.