The government does already give significant subsidies to parents. Direct tax credits and public schooling (aka free childcare) are two big ones. I’m not arguing that parents come out ahead economically or that the subsidies are bad (many argue they should be higher). Just pointing it out, if it helps with the guilt about your taxes.
If we want to get all utilitarian about it, these things might be the most important:
1) Identifying the kids with the highest potential to contribute the most to society, and giving whatever support it takes.
2) Identifying which kids and parents are the most needy, who will benefit the most from support that enables them to have a good life. It’s probably not the average family in a developed country.
If there’s someone who wants to raise my taxes to pay for that stuff, I’ll vote for them.
If we want to get all utilitarian about it, these things might be the most important:
1) Identifying the kids with the highest potential to contribute the most to society, and giving whatever support it takes.
2) Identifying which kids and parents are the most needy, who will benefit the most from support that enables them to have a good life. It’s probably not the average family in a developed country.
If there’s someone who wants to raise my taxes to pay for that stuff, I’ll vote for them.