Was that $1200 a deduction or a credit? High-income earners benefit more from a deduction than low-income earners, I think, since they high-income earners are taxed at a higher marginal tax bracket. If someone barely above the poverty line is allowed a deduction from their income for child care costs, it won't help them a whole lot since they're probably not going to be paying a lot of taxs anyway. How about a refundable credit to carry-over for years that you would be earning income and paying tax? That seems to be more horizontally equitable.
In any event, I agree with the Ironhorse 100%. Giving the money to the parents and allowing them to choose how to raise their child is the way to go. Funding more daycares with your tax dollars, while Mrs. Ironhorse stays at home to take care of the Ironfoals doesn't seem fair. If you want to support daycares than you can use your own money, in conjunction with the credit the government gives you, to do that.
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