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tax. Considering Oregon K-12 expenditures amount to (approximately) 20% of the general fund, this single parent should be paying $1,260 towards the education of their own children. But, their federal child tax credit offsets their 4% contribution towards federal education expenditures ($600) as well as their $1,260 state education fund contribution. They're still $140 in the black. Essentially the Federal government refunded the theoretical parent used in this example the $1,260 they paid towards K-12 education in Oregon. Meanwhile, those unfortunate souls who chose not to breed are the ones paying for this refund.

These are only basic illustrations that don't even take into account the tax savings seen with state and federal exemptions given for each dependent child.

To date I've heard all the staple arguments from indignant parents who think they are entitled to these bizarre perks. The most common of which are:

-"How can you say you shouldn't have to contribute public education simply because you have no children!"
Of course I've never said such a thing. We should all contribute EQUALLY towards public education. It seems easier to ask an unrelated and asinine question than to answer the one at hand.

-"But raising children is expensive!"
Living is expensive, all around. You chose to have a family either by accepting children through happenstance or mutual accord. Why should I take more responsibility for your actions than you do.

-"The children are your future. They will be the heart surgeons and caretakers of the preceding generation."
Sure they will, but they won't do it for free. Unless my disproportionate contributions towards their education and development is considered a pre-payment for later services, I think we should ALL contribute equally.

-"You're a heartless, bitter man. What's wrong with you?"
Well, the last bastion for blind indignation is always baseless insult. I shrug.

In closing, I've not written this to demonize parents for taking advantage of the Federal Child Tax Credit. Any parent would have to be a fool not to. Instead, I'm demonizing the undeservedly arrogant and self entitled parents who really believe someone else should pay for their life choices. I'm demonizing our morally blind, vote hungry legislators for fostering and encouraging unjust tax laws. Mostly I'm sympathizing with those childless, hardworking folk who bust ass all week long just to keep the current system afloat.

Parents, next time you run into a hard working childless tax payer, please show your gratitude with a proper "thank you". It'll make us all feel a lot better.

Learn more about this author, Edgar Humphrey.
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