By — Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press By — Michael D. Regan Michael D. Regan Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/gop-hopefuls-lay-out-conservative-visions-for-tackling-poverty Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter GOP hopefuls lay out conservative visions for tackling poverty Politics Jan 9, 2016 12:12 PM EDT COLUMBIA, S.C. — Republican presidential candidates say the party must do more to convince poor Americans that conservative policies – and not an active federal government -will expand economic opportunity. But the White House hopefuls don’t agree on all the details, particularly on taxes. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie bragged Saturday in South Carolina that he doubled a key tax benefit for low-income workers in his state. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson countered that the Earned Income Tax Credit is another “manipulation” of the tax code. Carson calls for an across-the-board rate, with no deductions or credits for any filer. The back-and-forth is occurring at an economic forum moderated by Speaker Paul Ryan. Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich also are appearing. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Bill Barrow, Associated Press Bill Barrow, Associated Press By — Michael D. Regan Michael D. Regan Michael D. Regan is a senior digital editor for PBS NewsHour. @mdregan
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Republican presidential candidates say the party must do more to convince poor Americans that conservative policies – and not an active federal government -will expand economic opportunity. But the White House hopefuls don’t agree on all the details, particularly on taxes. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie bragged Saturday in South Carolina that he doubled a key tax benefit for low-income workers in his state. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson countered that the Earned Income Tax Credit is another “manipulation” of the tax code. Carson calls for an across-the-board rate, with no deductions or credits for any filer. The back-and-forth is occurring at an economic forum moderated by Speaker Paul Ryan. Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee, Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich also are appearing. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now