Congress allowed the expanded child tax credit to expire in January, and while parents can still get the remainder of that credit when they file their taxes, many middle and lower-income families are feeling a financial squeeze without the extra cash flow that came monthly. Researchers and early childhood education advocates in Illinois joined The 21st to talk about what the credit meant for families.

House Republicans have put forward their first stab at a tax overhaul bill, and while some parts have been long-promised — fewer brackets, a steep corporate tax cut — there were a few surprises, like the fact that the new bill doesn't touch 401(k) savings rules.